If exploring peptide therapeutics, work with a board-certified physician and acquire peptides from a reliable source (pharma company or compounding pharmacy) to ensure purity and removal of contaminants like lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Do not purchase black market peptides as they are often contaminated and may not contain what they claim, posing short-term and long-term health problems.
Be very cautious about using peptides, especially growth hormone-promoting ones or BPC-157, if you have existing tumors or cancer, as they can potentially accelerate tumor growth and vascularization. Regular monitoring for tumor growth is advised.
If taking peptides, use the minimal effective dose and avoid continuous, indefinite use to prevent potential side effects and receptor desensitization.
If you are younger than 30, there is no clear reason to augment growth hormone pathways with peptides, as your body is already producing high levels naturally.
To optimize brain and body function, dissolve one packet of Element in 16 to 32 ounces of water first thing in the morning and during physical exercise to ensure adequate hydration and electrolytes.
Utilize meditation apps like Waking Up to access yoga nidra or non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) protocols, as even short 10-minute sessions can greatly restore cognitive and physical energy.
Take a vitamin, mineral, and probiotic drink like Athletic Greens (AG1) once or twice daily to cover foundational nutritional needs, support gut health, and ensure adequate adaptogens, vitamins, and minerals.
If using BPC-157 for tissue repair, typical therapeutic doses are 300-500 micrograms subcutaneously, two or three times per week for about eight weeks, followed by an eight to ten-week cycle off.
Take growth hormone-promoting peptides at night, typically 20-30 minutes before sleep, and at least 1.5-2 hours after eating, avoiding food for at least 30 minutes afterward to maximize their effect.
If taking Sermorelin, typical dosages are 200-400 micrograms at night, three to five times per week, but be aware it may increase deep sleep at the expense of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
Avoid using CJC1295 due to reported cardiovascular dysfunction and a death in clinical trials, especially when safer alternatives like Sermorelin or Tesamorelin are available.
If exploring Hexarelin, work with a physician, avoid high doses or prolonged use, and monitor prolactin levels, as it can cause receptor desensitization and potentially turn off the growth hormone system permanently.
When considering GHRP-2, 3, 6, or MK677, be aware they can cause significant increases in cortisol and prolactin, and potentially some receptor desensitization.
If combining different growth hormone-promoting peptides, work with a physician highly familiar with peptides to ensure appropriate dosing and avoid redundant pathway activation or unnecessary increases in prolactin and cortisol.
Be very cautious about using any peptides that stimulate melanocytes (e.g., Melanotan, PT141/Vileci) if you have melanoma, as they could potentially exacerbate the condition.
If using melanocyte-stimulating peptides, be aware of potential side effects such as nausea, skin flushing, increased blood pressure, and skin pigmentation changes.
Kispeptin peptides are prescribed for hypothalamic amenorrhea, a condition involving the loss or absence of menstrual cycles due to hypothalamic deficits.
Some individuals take Kispeptin peptides to stimulate hormone pathways for increased vitality and libido, but this is considered a ‘wild card’ approach with currently unknown full pleiotropic effects.