Peptide therapy sits between OTC supplements and full hormone replacement — more targeted than supplements, less heavy-handed than exogenous hormones. For men interested in optimization, this is the fastest-evolving category.
Growth Hormone Peptides
| Peptide | Mechanism | Administration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sermorelin | GHRH analog — triggers natural GH pulse | SubQ injection, before bed | Natural-pattern GH elevation |
| Ipamorelin | Selective ghrelin receptor agonist | SubQ injection, 1-3x daily | Clean GH stimulation, minimal side effects |
| CJC-1295 (DAC) | Extended half-life GHRH analog | SubQ injection, 1-2x weekly | Sustained GH elevation, fewer injections |
| Tesamorelin | GHRH analog (FDA-approved for lipodystrophy) | SubQ injection, daily | Visceral fat reduction |
The Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 Stack
The most popular clinical protocol. Ipamorelin provides clean GH stimulation; CJC-1295 extends the release window. Together: synergistic GH elevation mimicking youthful pulsatility. Typical protocol: SubQ before bed, 5 days on / 2 days off. Expected effects over 3-6 months: improved sleep, faster recovery, reduced visceral fat, improved skin, increased lean mass.
Recovery Peptides
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound)
Synthetic pentadecapeptide from gastric juice proteins. Extensive animal research showing accelerated healing of tendons, ligaments, muscle, bone, and gut tissue. Used by athletes for injury recovery. Available via SubQ injection or oral capsule.
Popular applications: tendon/ligament injuries, muscle tears, gut healing (IBS, leaky gut), joint inflammation.
Caveat: Almost all evidence is preclinical. Not FDA-approved. Available through compounding pharmacies.
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
Naturally occurring peptide involved in cell migration, angiogenesis, and tissue repair. Promotes new blood vessel formation, reduces inflammation, supports mobility in recovering joints. Often stacked with BPC-157 for comprehensive recovery.
Same regulatory caveat as BPC-157 — limited human data, not FDA-approved.
The Practical Progression
- Optimize lifestyle — sleep, training, nutrition (free, always step 1)
- Add OTC secretagogue — Sytropin for HGH support (~$60/mo, no prescription)
- Get bloodwork — baseline IGF-1 and testosterone levels
- Consider prescription peptides or TRT — if bloodwork shows clinical need and lifestyle optimization isn't sufficient
Don't skip to Tier 3 without doing Tiers 1 and 2. And never use prescription peptides without physician oversight.
Regulatory Landscape
The peptide space is evolving rapidly:
- Sermorelin, Ipamorelin, CJC-1295: Available through telemedicine men's health clinics. Legal when prescribed.
- BPC-157, TB-500: Not FDA-approved. Available through compounding pharmacies. FDA scrutiny increasing.
- The trend: More compounds being regulated, more compounding pharmacies being audited. Work with reputable providers who source quality-tested compounds.