Peptides

Peptides — What They Are and How They Differ from Steroids

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signalling molecules — they trigger specific biological responses by binding to receptors on cell surfaces. Unlike anabolic steroids which bind androgen receptors directly and replace hormones, peptides work through the body's own regulatory systems. The practical consequences: peptides do not suppress natural testosterone, do not require PCT and carry a fundamentally different risk profile to AAS. Many users combine both — steroids for direct anabolism and peptides for recovery, GH support and injury protection. See: Peptides vs Steroids — The Complete Comparison.

Recovery Peptides — BPC-157 and TB-500

The most widely used peptides in the performance space — injury recovery and connective tissue protection:

• BPC-157 (Body Protecting Compound 157) — a 15 amino acid peptide derived from a protein found in gastric juice. Promotes healing of tendons, ligaments, muscle tissue and gastrointestinal tract. Most effective administered subcutaneously near the injury site. 250–500 mcg daily. No suppression, no PCT required
• TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 analogue) — promotes systemic tissue repair, reduces inflammation and improves flexibility. Works systemically — useful for injuries in locations difficult to inject near. 2.5–5 mg twice weekly loading, 2.5 mg weekly maintenance
• BPC-157 + TB-500 blend — the most practical combination — localised and systemic recovery in a single vial

Full guide: Best Peptides for Muscle Growth and Recovery.

GH Secretagogues — Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Tesamorelin and Sermorelin

Growth hormone secretagogues stimulate the pituitary to produce and release GH — more physiological than exogenous HGH, significantly less expensive, and no direct GH suppression:

• Ipamorelin — the most selective GH secretagogue available. Ghrelin receptor agonist producing clean GH pulse with no cortisol, prolactin or ACTH elevation. Best dosed before sleep for nocturnal GH pulse amplification. 200–300 mcg
• CJC-1295 DAC — GHRH analogue with extended half-life. Once or twice weekly dosing. Synergistic with Ipamorelin — GHRH + GHRP combination produces greater GH release than either alone
• Tesamorelin — FDA-approved GHRH analogue with Phase III clinical data showing 15–20% visceral fat reduction over 26 weeks. Daily dosing at 1–2 mg. See full comparison: Tesamorelin vs Ipamorelin
• Sermorelin — the most physiological GHRH analogue. Short-acting, mimics natural GHRH pulsatility. Used for anti-aging GH support at lower doses

IGF-1 LR3 — Direct Anabolic Peptide

IGF-1 LR3 is a modified form of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 with extended half-life. Unlike GH secretagogues which act indirectly, IGF-1 LR3 directly activates satellite cells, promotes protein synthesis and drives muscle hypertrophy. Post-workout subcutaneous injection: 50–100 mcg. Short cycles of 4–6 weeks. The most directly anabolic non-steroidal peptide available.

Fat Loss Peptides

• AOD-9604 — GH fragment 176–191. Retains lipolytic activity of GH without anabolic or IGF-1 effects. 250–500 mcg daily
• Tirzepatide — dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist. The most potent fat loss peptide by clinical evidence — 20%+ body weight reduction in Phase III trials. Weekly injection starting at 2.5 mg/week

Anti-Aging and Longevity Peptides

• Epitalon — tetrapeptide that stimulates telomerase and extends telomere length. Studied for anti-aging, sleep improvement and circadian rhythm regulation. 5–10 mg daily for 10–20 day cycles
• GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide) — promotes collagen synthesis, skin regeneration, hair growth and wound healing. Subcutaneous or topical application
• NAD+ 500mg — nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Essential coenzyme for cellular energy production, DNA repair and sirtuin activation. IV or subcutaneous administration for longevity and recovery protocols

Nootropic Peptides

• Selank — synthetic heptapeptide with anxiolytic and nootropic properties. Reduces anxiety, improves memory and cognitive function without sedation. Nasal spray or subcutaneous
• Semax — synthetic ACTH analogue with nootropic and neuroprotective effects. Improves focus, memory and cognitive performance. Nasal spray administration

Frequently Asked Questions