If you’ve been keeping up with the latest in wellness and regenerative medicine, you’ve probably heard about peptide therapy. It’s often called the “next frontier” for helping your body heal, recover, and perform at its best. But what are peptides, and why are they getting so much attention? We are going to take a dive into the “what” and “how” below.
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are short chain amino acids, the same building blocks that make up proteins. Your body uses them as tiny messengers that tell your cells what to do and when to do it. Some peptides help your body make more collagen, others calm inflammation, and some even support growth hormone, weight loss, immune function, or gut repair. They are not steroids or hormones, they are signaling tools.
Because they’re so versatile, peptides are being used for everything from sports recovery to skin rejuvenation, joint rehabilitation and weight loss.
How Peptides Help You Heal
One of the most exciting uses for peptides is tissue repair. Research shows peptides can help your body heal faster, boost collagen, and close wounds more quickly. While the science is promising, most studies are still small, so it’s important to work with an experienced provider.
For example:
- BPC-157: Originally found in the stomach, this peptide helps heal muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and can reduce inflammation.
- TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4): Promotes the growth of new blood vessels and helps cells move to where they’re needed for recovery.
- AOD 9604: Stimulates bone differentiation and mineralization in bone stem cells. It promotes production of collagen and proteoglycan in the chondrocyte of the bone and assists with repair of bone, muscle and cartilage and can help to promote enhanced fat metabolism.
- GHK-Cu: Naturally found in human plasma and skin. Upregulates collagen and elastin gene expression, supports wound healing and cellular repair, tissue remodeling and regeneration, hair follicle support.
- MOTS-c: Found inside mitochondria. Decreases insulin resistance helping the pancreatic cells to keep their sensitivity to insulin. Can also help improve fatigue and fatty liver, weight loss and athletic performance.
- Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin blend: Supports lean muscle maintenance or growth, helps to reduce body fat and improves metabolism function. This combination helps to support favorable changes in fat-to-muscle ratio and can help to preserve lean body mass during fat loss.
We have several other peptides we source individually for patients, please inquire with any specialized interest.
Peptides for Weight Loss
We currently offer Tirzepatide (a GLP-1/GIP agonist) for weight loss, in addition to AOD9604, and MOTS-c.
The GLP-1 class of medications burst onto the scene in the late 2010s and were popularized for their effects on weight loss and Type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide was approved in 2023 for weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea. More recent research has expanded to conditions including Dementia/Alzheimer’s, Addiction (drugs, food, gambling), reduction of systemic inflammation and support for post-viral conditions such as Long-COVID.
Our patients on a Tirzepatide program have a 15 minute weekly check in and subcutaneous injection with a Hill Park provider. During this time we will do a ‘weigh in’ to track your weight loss but also check in on progress or any side effects.
We have found that the individualized attention of these check-ins helps us guide you towards optimal weight loss goals. Once you have met your weight goal, we will continue to manage your Tirzepatide prescription at a maintenance dose or through discontinuation.
Peptides for Radiant Skin
Peptides aren’t just for athletes, they’re a big deal in skincare too! Used alongside other skincare staples like retinoids and antioxidants, peptides can help keep your skin looking youthful and resilient.
For example, GHK-Cu (a copper peptide) can help your skin make more collagen and elastin, making it firmer and smoother. Peptides in creams or serums can:
- Speed up wound healing
- Improve skin elasticity and hydration
- Reduce inflammation and dark spots
Gut Health: The Hidden Benefit
Your gut lining is always renewing itself, and peptides play a key role in this process. BPC-157 is especially good at protecting your stomach and helping your intestines heal. Collagen peptides taken by mouth can also help with bloating and mild digestive issues. New research suggests peptides may even help balance your gut bacteria and strengthen your gut barrier.
Sleep and Recovery
Some peptides may help you sleep better and recover faster. DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is being studied for its ability to improve deep sleep. Peptides that boost growth hormone, like CJC-1295, may also help your body repair itself overnight. Animal studies hint that gut peptides could help you sleep more deeply by calming the gut-brain connection.
How Are Peptides Used?
Peptides can be delivered in different ways, depending on your goals:
- Subcutaneous injection: Most common for healing and growth hormone support.
- Topical (creams/serums): Great for skin and wound healing.
- Oral supplements: Best for gut health and collagen support.
- Local injection: Used for joint or tendon injuries.
Because peptides are delicate and can break down quickly, it’s important to use them under medical supervision.
Safety First
Peptides are natural, but they’re not risk-free. Possible side effects may include mild reactions at the injection site (tenderness, redness, lumps under skin), headaches, fatigue, or hormonal/immune imbalances if used incorrectly. Peptide therapy is not recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a history of cancer, or have serious endocrine, liver, or kidney issues.
Thinking About Peptide Therapy?
If you’re curious about adding peptide therapy to your wellness routine, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Work with a qualified clinician who knows peptide and regenerative medicine.
- Get tested first: lab work helps guide safe and effective use.
- Choose reputable sources for purity and dosing accuracy.
- Remember, peptides work best as part of a bigger plan: good nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management are key.
Bottom Line:
Peptide therapy isn’t a magic fix, but it’s a powerful tool for anyone serious about recovery, resilience, and long-term health. Whether you’re healing an injury, improving your skin, rebuilding your gut, or supporting deep sleep, peptides offer a fascinating bridge between science and whole-body wellness.