What is peptide therapy and how does it work?
Peptides are small chains of amino acids used to address various medical conditions and goals. Peptide therapy comes in many doses and forms including injection, oral capsules, and creams. Consultation with a medical provider can determine the dose and administration form best suited for your condition or goal.
What are the benefits of peptide therapy?
Peptides can aid in several medical conditions and contribute to health goals. These include:
- Anti-aging and skin rejuvenation
- Weight management and metabolic support
- Muscle building and athletic performance
- Immune system and support
- Hormone regulation and balance
- Cognitive enhancement
- Chronic diseases and pain management
- Sexual health and fertility
Who is a good candidate for peptide therapy?
You may be a good candidate for peptide if you are interested in any of the following:
- Looking to improve hormonal balance
- Athletes or active individuals wanting faster recovery after strenuous workouts or injury, seeking muscle growth or tendon repair
- Improved cognitive and mood
- Sleep issues
- Aging adult seeking longevity
- Support for chronic illnesses or autoimmune conditions
A consultation with your medical provider will review your health condition, health goals and may order lab work to determine a custom peptide protocol for any medical condition and overall health goals. An individual who is pregnant or breast-feeding, has active cancer, or untreated hormone sensitive conditions should not undergo peptide therapy.
Are there different types of peptides for specific health goals?
Yes. There are two types of peptides used based on your specific health goals:
Creatine peptide: Often used to improve strength and build muscle.
Collagen peptide: Can help slow aging and improve skin elasticity and hydration. It can also promote faster wound healing.
How long does it take to see results from peptide therapy?
Peptide therapy results can vary depending on the type of peptide, your individual biology, and your health goals. In general, cognitive focus and sexual health may improve within days and weeks while other results (muscle growth for example) may take weeks to months.
What is the most common peptide therapy?
In 2024, Semaglutide (a GLP-1 Peptide), exploded in popularity due to its long-term fat loss and appetite regulation. While technically it is a medication, it functions like a therapeutic peptide. Other common peptide therapies are for muscle growth and injury recovery.
Is peptide therapy safe and FDA-approved?
Peptides are generally considered safe when used under medical supervision. Since they mimic natural biological processes, the body handles them well. However, the safety and potential side effects of peptides vary depending on the type, dose, and method of administered (e.g., injection or topical). Many peptides are FDA-approved and often require a prescription to ensure safety, efficacy, and pharmaceutical-grade quality. Compounded or custom peptides are not FDA-approved but are regulated to ensure quality and sterility but are not approved for medical purposes.
What conditions can peptide therapy help treat?
Peptide therapy can help treat individuals who experience tendon tears, hypertension, irregular hormone levels, autoimmune issues, and other chronic diseases. A consultation with your medical provider can assist in determining your medical condition and overall health goals.
Are there any side effects or risks with peptide therapy?
Side effects may depend on how the peptide is administered (oral or by injection). Common side effects with creatine include water retention, dehydration, muscle cramps, weight gain, digestive issues, and kidney stress. Side effects with collagen may include an allergic reaction, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and cardiovascular effects. When administered through a medical provider, the risks are low. Your medical provider will review your health condition and current medications for any adverse drug interactions.
How much does peptide therapy cost and is it covered by insurance?
The cost of peptide therapy varies based on the type of peptide, administration method and duration, and the location of your medical provider. On average, the cost can range from $150 to $5,000 per month. If used for medical conditions, your insurance may cover peptide therapy. An individual’s HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Savings Accounts) are often used to pay for peptide therapy with tax advantages. Check with your healthcare provider to understand your insurance coverage options.
