Our practice offers peptide therapy. A peptide is a short chain of amino acids that are connected to one another by peptide bonds. Many health and cosmetic products contain peptides for many uses. The most well-known peptide is insulin. We have various peptide products available, including some that help with hair loss, stimulate growth hormone, help with weight loss, sexual function, and other various uses. If you think peptide therapy may help one of your conditions contact our office.
We offer peptide therapy through our partnership with BioTE Medical. BioTE Medical has a mission to help improve our patient’s lives. This is not just through hormone optimization (which is a big key) but also through high quality Nutraceuticals that can help improve various conditions, as well as Peptide Therapy. BioTE has carefully selected every peptide to help support the BioTE method of hormone optimization. Peptides provide many important influences when used in conjunction with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT):
A peptide is a short chain of amino acids. The amino acids in a peptide are connected to one another in a sequence by bonds called peptide bonds. Typically, peptides are distinguished from proteins by their shorter length, although the cut-off number of amino acids for defining a peptide and protein can be arbitrary. Peptides are naturally occurring biological molecules. They are found in all living organisms and play a key role in all manner of biological activity. Many health and cosmetic products contain different peptides for many uses, such as their potential anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-building properties.
Some of the more important peptides we have access for our patients are highlighted below:
There are several peptides to help with hair loss. These include PTD-DBM, Valproic Acid, Zinc-Thymulin and GHK-Cu.
There are several peptides available to help with skin conditions. The skin consists of three layers: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It also contains hair follicles. The dermis is the deeper layer, forming the main bulk of the skin. Its function is to provide a tough matrix to support the blood vessels, nerves and appendages that are embedded in it. The fibers present in the dermal connective tissue are predominantly collagen and elastin.
Some 80% of the dry weight of adult skin consists of collagen. Collagen fibers, produced by fibroblasts, are arranged parallel to the skin surface. This gives the skin a high tensile strength and prevents it from being torn by over stretching. In contrast, elastin constitutes about 5% of the dermis, and provides the skin with elasticity and resilience. Elastin fibers are arranged as a thinly distributed subepidermal network and are also produced by fibroblasts. The dermal connective tissue additionally contains sensory receptors and the supportive glycosaminogylcans (GAGs) such as hyaluronic acid.
The predominant form of collagen found in adult human skin is type I, followed by type III. In young people, microscopic examination of collagen from the dermis of skin areas not exposed to the sun shows thin, wavy, uniform fibrillar units. The skin becomes thinner and changes structure and function with age. In the elderly, the skin contains thickened, clumped basophilic collagenous material, indicating partial degradation of collagen. Collagen atrophy is a major factor in skin aging. Studies show a significant decline in the quantity of dermal collagen with aging.
These peptides follow a similar mechanism like that of Botox. Botox works by decreasing the amount of muscle activity by blocking the release of acetylcholine. This is done by inhibiting the fusion of the vesicle storing the neurotransmitter to the cell membrane, thus rendering the muscle inactive for about three to four months.
There are several peptides that are available to improve or enhance sexual issues. Several of these can be used to improve libido, orgasm, and erectile difficulties. They include PT-141, Tadalafil/Apomorphine, Oxytocin, Melatonin-1, and arousal creams. They are either used as troches, sub-cutaneous injections, nasal sprays, or topical applications.
PT-141 was developed from Melatonin-II which has strong aphrodisiac effects. The melanocortins exert their influence in certain areas of the brain. It elicits a more natural sexual response. In men it can have a rapid onset of arousal with erection achieved within minutes. It was found to induce erection in 80% of men who did not respond to PDE-5 inhibitor drugs (Viagra and Cialis). In females a significantly higher percentage of females had a satisfying sexual event when compared to placebo. Side effects can include flushing, GI upset and spontaneous erection.
Apomorphine can lead to greater activation of the hypothalamus in an area rich in dopamine receptors. It can be combined with Tadalafil in a troche which can be taken 30 minutes before activity in men and women.
Oxytocin has long been known for its role in female reproduction. Recent studies have investigated its role in various behaviors including orgasm, erection, ejaculation as well others such as bonding. It targets erectile tissue such as the corpus cavernous and corpus spongiosum. It can be used intranasally or by troche 30 minutes before activity by men or women.
Melatonin-I can be used 3 days per week by sub-cutaneous injection to improve libido and sex drive. It does cause a visible darkening of the skin.
Arousal Creams are a topical cream that can improve blood flow to the clitorus and improve and enhance orgasms.
The peptides listed are just a few of those available, with more in various stages of development. Contact our office to learn more about how peptide therapy can improve your well-being.
