Peptides are the building blocks of proteins, composed of short chains of amino acids responsible for stimulating and regulating a host of biological functions and processes, from pain relief and soft tissue repair to hormone production and how your body heals. Produced in glands and other tissues such as the stomach, brain, and intestine, naturally-occurring peptides are found in every cell of the body.
One of the most cutting-edge therapies available today for hormone replacement and endocrine system enhancement, peptide therapy helps your body safely and effectively maintain the ideal concentration and activity level of peptides needed for optimal hormone production, immune function, cell regeneration, libido, brain function, and more.
Why are peptides important?
There are more than 7,000 known naturally occurring peptides, each involved in highly specific actions related to molecule signaling. (While some may be similar, each peptide is responsible for facilitating a different, unique response and action within the body.) Acting as neurotransmitters or hormones, peptides bind to receptors on the surfaces of relevant cells and instruct the cells on what functions to perform, such as how your body responds to diet and physical activity. The cell is then stimulated through a series of biological events.
Some of the most well-known peptides include:
Insulin, which helps your body use sugar for energy and regulates blood sugar levels
Oxytocin, involved in emotions, relationships, social interactions, sexual activity, pain and stress response, and more
Glutathione, which stimulates tissue growth
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucagon, responsible for blood glucose regulation
Ghrelin, for regulating appetite
Somatropin, the human growth hormone
The function of a peptide is determined by the types of amino acids within the chain and their sequence, as well as the specific shape of the peptide. When peptides become unbalanced, less efficient, or begin to decline, all other systems of the body can start experiencing suboptimal performance, leading to:
- Problems with metabolism, digestion, and weight loss
- Increased inflammation
- Loss of sexual desire and the development of sexual dysfunction disorders
- Neuropathy
- An increase in the type and severity of age-related conditions
- Declining cognitive function
Our bodies naturally produce peptides, but the production of those peptides varies by individual. Moreover, the number and quality of peptides produced by the body declines with age.
By mimicking the body’s own peptides, peptide therapy helps restore the number of peptides and improve their ability to elicit particular responses, such as stimulating cellular regrowth as a treatment option for specific conditions. Peptide therapy uses synthetic peptides that are derived from animal or plant proteins, then administered via injection, topical cream, oral medication, or nasal spray.
The ability to customize peptide therapy to individual patient needs and goals means we can produce very specific, targeted reactions in the body and treat an array of conditions for benefits such as:
- Improved wound healing
- Reduced signs of aging
- Healthier immune function
- Lower blood pressure
- Increased levels of energy, stamina, and strength
- Boosted hormone levels
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced joint and muscle pain
- Enhanced cognitive function and memory
- Improved muscle mass and bone density
- Improved symptoms of sexual dysfunction
Peptide Therapy at The Hormone Zone
For nearly 20 years, the physicians at The Hormone Zone have been at the forefront of this revolutionary treatment, helping thousands of patients achieve their best health with peptide therapy for:
Fat loss and muscle building. Instead of simply replacing declining human growth hormone, peptide therapy helps increase your body’s natural production of it for improved cardiovascular function, improved sleep and sexual performance, reduced body fat, and increased endurance and strength.
Libido. Find relief from lethargy or tiredness and experience higher natural energy levels with peptide therapy that can increase the intensity and frequency of your sex drive and sexual desire. Peptide therapy can also be effective in treating conditions like hypoactive sexual desire disorder, erectile dysfunction, and impotence.
Cellular and DNA repair. Peptide therapy for cellular and DNA repair can be critical in preventing diseases and infections like the common cold or flu, acute or chronic infections, chronic fatigue, and oxidative stress and damage. Peptide therapy activates the immune system, helping to stimulate stem cells, inhibit viral replication, and aid in production of new immune cells.
Hair and skin. Peptides act as anti-inflammatory agents that can control oxidative damage after issue injury and signal tissue remodeling to remove damaged or scarred tissue and generate new, healthy tissue, improving skin firmness, elasticity, and clarity and tightening and thickening loose and aged skin. Peptide therapy can also increase hair growth and thickness, prevent hair loss, and improve the quantity of hair growth.
Hormone regulation. Peptide therapy can be a powerful tool in correcting hormonal dysfunction and achieving the ideal hormone balance, and is often an effective complement to other hormone treatments such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Peptides provide unique long-term benefits in balancing and regulating hormones with more sustainable results and virtually no side effects.
Brain and cognition. The possibilities of peptide therapy for improved brain and cognitive function continue to expand. With fewer side effects and a lower risk of addiction than prescription drugs, peptide therapy can be used to reduce anxiety, counteract stress response, and increase serotonin levels; improve memory, cognition, decrease risk for depression; and enhance memory and learning. Peptide therapy may also be effective in alcohol withdrawal support, brain damage recovery, and improved neuroplasticity.
Discover Your Body’s Optimal Performance with Peptide Therapy from The Hormone Zone
The best results for optimal health come from a comprehensive approach to treatment. At The Hormone Zone, we work with your body to uncover the root causes of your conditions and develop a targeted, holistic plan that does more than simply address symptoms—it accelerates your body’s ability to repair and restore itself, safely and naturally, for long-term results.
Peptide therapy is just one of the many treatment options offered at The Hormone Zone. We combine the best of traditional and naturopathic medicines for care that realigns your body to its natural function so you can look and feel your best at any age. Schedule a no-obligation consultation today to learn more about peptide therapy at The Hormone Zone.
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Peptide therapy FAQs
Are peptides the same as proteins?
Peptides and proteins are both composed of amino acids. All proteins consist of peptides, but not all peptides form proteins. Peptides are short chains of amino acids—between 2 and 50—while proteins are large peptides (polypeptides) consisting of longer chains of 50 or more amino acids. This gives proteins a more complex structure than peptides, and makes the smaller peptides easier for the body to absorb into the bloodstream.
Are there any side effects to peptide therapy?
Because peptides are naturally occurring in both our bodies and our food, peptide therapy is very well tolerated with extremely low instances of side effects. Any side effects are typically associated with the method of administration, such as pain, itching, or swelling at the injection site or skin irritation from a topical cream, all of which can be easily mitigated and treated. To minimize the risk of any side effects, either from application or the treatment itself, it’s important to receive peptide therapy under the professional medical guidance of experts like the physicians at The Hormone Zone. We use only the highest-quality peptides and rely on extensive, in-depth lab testing and bloodwork to ensure the appropriate dosage for maximum results.
How long does it take to start seeing results from peptide therapy?
Peptide therapy typically has a “loading” period of 3-6 months before patients realize the full effects of treatment, such as improved muscle mass and decreased fat. (A loading period is the amount of time it takes to reach maximum effect.) However, many patients begin to see improvements in sleep and energy within the first few weeks, which then begin to increase with continued use.
What are the different ways peptides work?
Peptides can work as:
- Structural components of the muscles and bone, contributing to bone shape, strength, and density as well as muscle mass and composition
- Transporters, helping chemicals like glucose travel from the blood into the muscle
- Hormones, carrying information among tissues and cells
- Enzymes, stimulating and accelerating metabolic reactions
