What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. Smaller than proteins, larger than single amino acids. That signal your body to do specific things. Different peptides target different systems: tissue repair (BPC-157), growth hormone release (ipamorelin, sermorelin), sexual function (PT-141), metabolic health (GLP-1s).
Are peptides legal?
When prescribed by a licensed clinician and compounded by a state-licensed pharmacy, peptides used in medical practice are legal in the United States. The FDA periodically reviews which substances pharmacies are permitted to compound. Your clinician will only prescribe peptides that are within the current legal framework for compounding.
Are compounded peptides FDA-approved?
Some peptide active ingredients are individually FDA-approved (semaglutide, tirzepatide, sermorelin, tesamorelin, bremelanotide). Compounded peptide preparations are not FDA-approved as finished products. Some research-grade peptides (e.g., BPC-157 in many formulations) do not have an FDA-approved branded equivalent at all.
How are peptides administered?
Most peptides are administered as subcutaneous injection. Small insulin-style needle, into the fat layer. A few peptides (GHK-Cu, some GH secretagogues) are available as topical or oral preparations. Your clinician will choose the right route.
How fast will I feel results?
It depends on the peptide. BPC-157 for tissue repair: 2 to 4 weeks. Ipamorelin/sermorelin for sleep and recovery: 3 to 8 weeks. PT-141: within hours for the dose, but optimization takes a few cycles. GLP-1s for weight loss: 4 to 12 weeks for meaningful change.
Do peptides have side effects?
Yes. Like any prescription therapy. Common: injection-site irritation, fatigue or flushing during titration, headaches. Specific peptides have specific profiles (e.g., GLP-1s: nausea; PT-141: facial flushing; growth-hormone peptides: water retention). Clinical monitoring is built in.
Will I need bloodwork?
It depends on the peptide. Growth hormone peptides, GLP-1s, and longevity stacks typically require baseline labs. BPC-157 for an acute injury, or PT-141 used episodically, may not.
Are peptides the same as steroids?
No. Steroids are synthetic hormone analogs (testosterone, nandrolone) that directly add hormone to your system. Peptides are signaling molecules that ask your body to do something. Release growth hormone, repair tissue, modulate appetite. Mechanism and risk profile are very different.
Who shouldn't take peptides?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with active cancer, certain endocrine disorders, or specific medication interactions should not start most peptide therapies. Your clinician will screen during intake.
How much do peptide protocols cost?
Pricing varies by peptide. From ~$99/month for shorter courses (BPC-157, GHK-Cu) up to several hundred dollars per month for advanced stacks. The clinician consultation is free. You only pay if you qualify and decide to start a protocol.
