Peptide replacement therapy involves using synthetic peptides to replace peptides that are lacking or deficient in the body. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve many important functions, such as cell signaling and regulating bodily processes.
Some key things to know about peptide replacement therapy:
- Peptides used for replacement therapy are synthetically produced versions of natural peptides found in the human body
- It can be used to treat peptide deficiency conditions where the body does not produce enough of a certain peptide
- Diseases like growth hormone deficiency and type 2 diabetes have been treated with peptide replacement
- The synthetic peptides supplement the body's natural peptides that may be lacking
How it works
Peptide replacement therapy aims to normalize the levels of important peptides in the body. It works by:
- Identifying peptides that are deficient
- Designing synthetic versions of those peptides
- Administering the synthetic peptides to patients to reach normal peptide levels
Some common ways of administering peptide replacements include:
- Injection - Directly injecting peptides for full systemic circulation
- Infusion - Intravenous delivery for systemic circulation
- Oral - Taken orally, usually requiring special formulations to survive digestion
Conditions treated
Some examples of conditions that may benefit from peptide replacement therapy:
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Lack of growth hormone peptide stunts growth
- Daily growth hormone injections can supplement hormone levels
- Type 2 diabetes
- Incretin peptide deficiency impairs insulin secretion
- GLP-1 mimetics and DPP-4 inhibitors improve insulin release
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Neuroprotective peptides declined in diseases like Alzheimer’s
- Cerebrolysin, which mimics nerve growth factors, may protect neurons
Benefits
Potential benefits of peptide replacement therapy include:
- Restoring normal levels of important peptides
- Alleviating deficiency-related symptoms
- Avoiding complications of prolonged peptide deficiencies
- Halting or slowing disease progression
- Having an alternative treatment option in some peptide deficiency diseases
Compared to small molecules, peptides more closely mimic endogenous human peptides. This can result in:
- Higher efficiency
- Better tolerance
- Fewer side effects
Considerations
Some considerations around peptide replacement therapy include:
- Response varies between individuals
- Multiple injections may be required, depending on the peptide
- Oral peptides require special formulations to make it through the GI tract
- Cost may be high depending on the peptide
- Short half-life may require frequent administration
- Potential side effects from impurities or antibody reactions
Work closely with your healthcare provider to determine if
peptide therapy is suitable for your needs. Proper clinical grade peptides from reputable sources, combined with professional medical oversight, can help provide optimal therapy results.
Need personal advice on peptide therapy? Consult with the hormone optimization experts at
Revive Hormone Clinic. Our integrative providers offer science-based peptide treatment plans tailored to your uniquehealth situation.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit () today and take the first step toward balancing your peptides.
