Interested in Peptides?
So are we!
PeptideS = The Hot Topic in Men’s Health
Peptides are trending rapidly within the fields of longevity medicine, anti-aging and sexual health.
So what is a peptide? Peptides are just short chains of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) linked by peptide bonds. Anybody remember biochemistry? A peptide bond is simply the bond between a nitrogen atom from one amino acid and a carbon from another amino acid.
But what do peptides do? Well, certain peptides may regulate specific body functions by telling cells what to do. They are basically messengers within the human body. Different peptides have different functions. You may be familiar with many peptide hormones, such as insulin, oxytocin, and GnRH. Peptides have been implicated in weight loss, metabolism, muscle mass, recovery from injury, human growth hormone release, cognitive function, sleep, digestive health, libido, and erectile function.
Peptides can be taken orally but are but often given by subcutaneous injection.
Peptides offered by The Men’s Center include:
PT-141 is used primarily to increase sex drive and sexual satisfaction, as well as to improve erections. PT-141 is FDA-approved for hypoactive sexual desire in women (referred to as The Female Viagra), and currently being studied in men. Speaking scientifically, PT-141 is a 7 amino acid peptide that acts as a melanocortin receptor agonist which leads to release of dopamine, increasing sexual desire. About 1/3 of men who do not respond to medications such as Viagra were able to obtain adequate erections following administration of PT-141 in one study. There is also some evidence that PT-141 can assist with weight loss.
Ipamorelin is very commonly used in longevity medicine clinics. It is a 5 amino acid peptide that increases release of growth hormone via the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland. This is thought to increase muscle mass, decrease body fat, strengthen bones, improve skin, and increase energy.
CJC-1295 is a 30 amino acid peptide which also works through the growth hormone pathway. It also increases secretion of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). It is often used synergistically with Ipamorelin. It may have positive effects on bone health, lean body mass, insulin resistance, muscle development and sex drive.
If there are other peptides that you may be interested in, please ask us.
*Although the use of peptides is becoming increasingly popular, it is important to understand that there is still a relative lack of long-term safety data and most peptides are not yet FDA-approved. As with any therapy, there is potential risk.
For even more info on Peptide Therapy, check out Dr. K’s blog post on Peptides.