What is Peptide Therapy?

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What Are Peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. These small but powerful compounds play essential roles in various biological functions, including hormone regulation, cell signaling, and tissue repair. Peptide therapy leverages specific peptides to target functions like increasing growth hormone levels, promoting weight loss, enhancing sexual health, and improving overall wellness.

Why Do Some Peptides Require Injections While Others Can Be Taken Orally?

The ability of a peptide to be taken orally or injected often depends on the length of the peptide chain. Shorter peptides may survive the digestive process, while longer peptides can be broken down in the stomach before reaching the bloodstream. For example, insulin is a well-known peptide, but it has a long chain of amino acids, making it impossible to take orally, which is why it requires injection.

Injected Peptides: These peptides bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream directly, making them more effective for certain treatments. Peptides like Sermorelin or CJC-1295 often require injection because their effectiveness would be compromised if taken orally.
Oral Peptides: Some shorter-chain peptides are stable enough to be taken as oral supplements, allowing them to be absorbed through the digestive tract. However, only a healthcare professional can determine the best delivery method based on the peptide and its intended use.

The Importance of Professional Guidance for Peptide Therapy

It’s crucial to work with a healthcare professional when using peptides. At Sigma Health, we assess your individual needs and recommend specific peptides tailored to your health goals. Your peptide regimen should always be prescribed or recommended by a trusted expert to ensure optimal safety and results.

Peptide Categories and Uses (there are many more!)

Growth Hormone Peptides

Tesamorelin
AOD9604
IGF1 LR3
Sermorelin
CJC1295
Ipamorelin
Ibutamoren

Sermorelin is a popular growth hormone-releasing peptide. It stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone naturally, helping with anti-aging, athletic recovery, and improved muscle mass. Unlike direct hormone replacement, it works by encouraging the body to regulate its own hormone levels.

Sexual/Reproductive Health Peptides

PT-141
Kisspeptin-10

Kisspeptin-10 plays a vital role in reproductive hormone regulation. It stimulates the release of hormones like GnRH, which helps increase levels of LH and FSH, essential for fertility and reproductive health. This peptide is used in fertility treatments and may also enhance sexual function.

Weight Loss Peptides

Semaglutide
Tesofensine
Tirzepatide

Semaglutide is a well-known peptide for weight loss. It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and helps the body manage insulin secretion, leading to reduced calorie intake and weight loss. It has gained popularity for its effectiveness in metabolic conditions and weight management.

Anti-Aging and Wellness Peptides

Epitalon
MOTS-S
SS-31
Thymosin Alpha 1
Thymosin Beta 4
BPC-157
PT-141

Thymosin Alpha 1 is known for its immune-boosting properties. It enhances the body’s natural defenses, making it ideal for those looking to strengthen their immune systems or recover from illness. Thymosin Beta 4, in contrast, is heavily involved in tissue repair, aiding recovery from injuries and promoting healing.

BPC-157 is often referred to as the “healing peptide.” It’s effective for joint and tissue repair, especially in tendons and ligaments, as well as improving gut health by reducing inflammation.

Peptide Therapy at Sigma Health

At Sigma Health, we provide personalized peptide therapy tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re looking to enhance recovery, support weight loss, improve sexual health, or promote anti-aging, we will guide you through the best peptide options. We’ll also ensure that your peptides are taken in the safest and most effective form, whether that’s through injections or oral supplements.

The FDA has been increasingly restricting the use of certain peptides due to concerns over their safety and regulation. While peptides offer promising therapeutic benefits, many are still considered experimental and are not yet FDA-approved for widespread use. These restrictions aim to ensure that peptide treatments are backed by robust clinical research, but they also limit access to potentially effective therapies. It’s essential to work with a healthcare provider who stays informed on the evolving regulations and can safely guide you through the best options available.