Low Human Growth Hormone
Over the past few years, peptides and Peptide Therapy (PT) have gained massive popularity, especially in the fields of alternative medicine, sports medicine, and hormone replacement therapy. More than 7000 different peptides have been identified in humans and we are learning more about how these peptides operate as well as their therapeutic applications. As we continue to further understand these peptides and their multitude of benefits, the use of peptide therapy (PT) for such things as pain relief, hormone replacement, weight loss, as well as anti-aging purposes will steadily increase.
The information that is written below is the nitty-gritty part of medicine. At Optimal Men’s Center (OMC) we want you to realize the numerous advantages provided by Peptide Therapy. However, making an informed decision is extremely important to us as it should be to you.
COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF LOW HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE / HGH LEVELS
Increase in body fat, especially around the midsection
Poor concentration and reduced mental function
Loss of skin elasticity and an increase in wrinkles
Diminished sleep quality
Saggy muscles & skin
Weak joints & bones
Poor wound healing
Organ malfunction
Reduce Visibility
Decrease Energy
Crohn’s Disease
Libido Drops
Memory loss
Diabetes
Cancer
WHAT ARE PEPTIDES?
A peptide is a group (or chain) of less than 50 amino acids, that is linked together by chemical bonds. Peptides are an integral part of most biologic processes and are present throughout every cell and tissue in the body. Maintenance of appropriate concentration and activity levels of peptides is necessary to achieve homeostasis (balance) and maintain health.
The function of a peptide is determined by both its size and amino acid sequence.
All peptides are composed of amino acids chemically linked together. Peptides range in size from two amino acids–dipeptides–all the way to 50 amino acids. Polypeptides consist of 10 or more amino acids. Proteins are made of 50 to thousands of amino acids.
Benefits For:
HORMONE THERAPY
WEIGHT LOSS
SLEEP QUALITY
SEXUAL HEALTH
PAIN RELIEF
ANTI-AGING & AESTHETICS
IMMUNE SYSTEM
COVID-19 IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTER [Thymosin Alpha-1]
If you are interested in the benefits of PEPTIDE THERAPY, it is vital for you to understand what you want to ACHIEVE. We can help you with that. But if you want to skip the sections below which describe more about peptides and Peptide Therapy, you can just click to download Optimal Men’s Center’s Peptide Therapy Patient Guide here.
What are the different types of peptides?
Peptides can be:
Transporters
Like glucose transporters that are necessary for glucose to travel from the blood into the muscle tissue.
Enzymes
Enzymes biological catalysts that speed up metabolic reactions. Most of the hundreds of enzymes are peptides.
Hormones
Hormones are biologic messengers that carry information from one tissue through the blood to a distant tissue. Two common classes of hormones are peptide and steroid hormones. Examples of peptide hormones include those involved in blood glucose regulation, such as insulin and glucagon, and those that regulate appetites, such as ghrelin and leptin.
Structural Components
Peptides like actin and myosin function as structural elements of the muscle and some other peptides contribute to bone shape and strength
Peptides are crucial to the body’s normal functioning. Every cell in the body has peptides that are essential for its survival. If the cell wants to synthesize a new compound (i.e. replicate DNA), signal other cells (such as a peptide hormone), transport molecules (such as delivering Magnesium to the skin to aid in collagen production), manage metabolic activity (cleave and break apart molecules), or just promote an adaptation to biochemical and anatomic situations (like exercising and improving the efficiency of the cell), a peptide is necessary. The big takeaway here is that without peptides telling different cells how to do their job properly, there is no way for the body, let alone the cell, to survive, let alone thrive.
We have determined that many bodily functions use peptides, including those involved with the neurological activity, hormone release, digestion, and cardiovascular, kidney, respiratory, and immune system function. Some other examples of peptides besides insulin and glucagon, include ones such as growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone, just to name a few more.
So, you can see that by emulating a different peptide we can help the body with a different process and a different benefit.
WHY DO PEPTIDE THERAPY?
Because peptides are vital to numerous bodily functions, adequate production is crucial. Unfortunately, we know that the effects of aging, stress, and changes in diet can disrupt sufficient peptide production. With this deficit, regulations in function will begin to decline, causing a cascade of negative effects.
However, thanks to the advancement of optimization medicine (see note below), we finally have the biotechnology to extend our lives and reverse or control the effects of aging. Through peptides, we can provide the body with a renewed ability to do what it used to do when we were younger, and give it a chance to do it well as we age. Peptides are not about cheating the health code or enhancing performance, they are about assisting your body with restoration and repair.
Peptide Therapy is the future of medicine, and Optimal Men’s Center is at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology. Almost every aspect of our bodies and our health can be improved with peptides. By administering them, you are drastically increasing as well as tapping into your own natural production. As far as which Peptide Therapy to choose, we can discuss this based on your lab work results, your medical needs, and overall history.
Note:
OMC clinicians have utilized a hybrid model of integrative and functional medicine for many years. Integrative Medicine (IM) is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies. Functional Medicine is a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Each symptom or differential diagnosis may be one of many contributing to an individual’s illness. A lesser-known part of the medical establishment that OMC incorporates into practice is Optimization Medicine. This form of medicine is a mix of art and science. It involves examining and measuring borderline deficiencies and subtle toxicities. The normal ranges of medicine do not reflect most individuals who have a disease process occurring. There are optimal ranges for people that do not fit the “norm” that the allopathic establishment has elected to call “normal.” The reasoning behind the move by OMC to ignore some of those ranges is that there are many patients who can have similar laboratory values for many years but as they age, the no longer feel well. do not have or feel Optimal. And, when an underlying process that has been “brewing” finally reveals itself to “Mainstream Medicine” they just bandage the “symptoms” and wish ‘em luck. Optimization medicine is about treating a person at the cellular level and create an Optimal range that reflects when we are at our most resilient, typically between the ages around 25.
PEPTIDE THERAPY USES
There is an ever-increasing number of individuals who are searching for a viable solution to attain their goals. Whether it is an enhancement to their sexual and athletic performance, reaching and maintaining their desired weight, or for an overall improvement to their digestive & immune functions. Other areas where Peptide Therapy can be beneficial is for memory retention, sounder, deeper sleep quality, as well as providing anti-aging properties.
GROWTH HORMONE & PEPTIDES
Human Growth Hormone, often abbreviated HGH or hGH (or simply GH for Growth Hormone) is naturally produced in the pituitary gland and plays a vital role in the growth of every cell in the human body, cell regeneration, maintenance of healthy tissue throughout the body, as well as keeping your body functioning at its peak performance. This makes it invaluable for our health as we age. It has been referred to as the “fountain of youth” or the “master” hormone. As much as 75% of the daily total of GH is released by the pituitary during sleep. About an hour after you fall asleep, you enter into the 3rd Stage, also known as “deep sleep”, and a surge of Growth Hormone is released into your bloodstream.
However, the pituitary cannot just release the GH without some sort of guidance. The body and hormonal system have numerous checks-and-balances and one of them entails the HPS axis, also known as the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Somatotropic axis. This is important because your pituitary can only release Growth Hormone once your hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary via GHRH (or Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone, a PEPTIDE). Therefore, by administering one of these peptides that will act like the GHRH molecule, you are stimulating the pituitary gland to drastically increase as well as tap into its natural GH production. So, once a peptide is delivered into the system it can assist with the deficit from your own production to NOW have an adequate (like when you were younger) supply.
Unlike traditional Human Growth Hormones, Growth Hormone Peptides do not replace your body’s own growth hormone production, creating a dependence on the therapy. Peptides are secretagogues, which naturally enhance and stimulate your body’s own production of growth hormone. Optimal Men’s Center does not prescribe.
Human Growth Hormone Deficiency
As we age, the pituitary gland simply does not produce as much HGH, and our levels naturally decline. In women, HGH levels start to decline in the early 20s. In men, it is usually in the mid-’30s, but sometimes earlier. By the time, you are 50, your HGH levels are half of what they were in your early 20s. As our HGH levels decrease, we start to notice undesirable effects like weight gain, muscle loss, decreased energy levels, reduced strength and stamina, changes in memory, low libido or sexual dysfunction, poor sleep, and the outward appearance of aging skin.
HGH Activating Peptide Therapy
If you are experiencing the effects of aging mentioned above, you should have your levels checked by an expert to determine if you have an adult growth hormone deficiency. At the Optimal Men’s Center, our hormone therapy options for treating growth hormone deficiency include a range of Peptides known to be safer than synthetic HGH replacement therapy.
When Can You Expect Benefits of Anti-Aging Peptides
Peptide therapy has a “loading” phase of around 3-6 months before full effects are noticed. However, the benefits begin to be realized within the first few weeks and they increase synergistically with continued therapy. Initially, injections are administered on a more frequent schedule. Once levels become Optimal and the benefits are achieved, injection frequency can be reduced, and transitioning to a maintenance protocol is possible.
What To Expect From Peptide Therapy
Since peptides are capable of improving a number of very precise concerns, they offer a wide range of benefits for overall health and appearance, including:
Energy boost
Enhancement of your sleep quality
Recovery and repair of muscles and tendons
Enhances overall physical performance
Increase in fat-free mass
Metabolism efficiency which burns fat
Increases weight loss
Repairs muscles and tendons
Improves appearance
Increases sex drive
Sharpens memory and cognitive focus
For a List of Optimal Men’s Center Peptide Therapies
Click Here for the Peptide Therapy Patient Guide.
Just as each peptide that your body naturally makes has a different function, Peptide Therapy will provide a different mechanism of action based on the peptide structure that is being placed into the body. Thus, a certain peptide may be preferred depending on the patient’s health status and desired outcome. A combination of peptides may also be recommended to achieve long-term and sustainable results. At OMC, we believe in a multitude of techniques that can help you achieve your fitness, anti-aging, and wellness goals.
Recap:
Remember that peptides are the building blocks that make up proteins. These naturally occurring short chains of amino acids provide your body with many necessary functions. As we age, our body’s natural production of essential amino acids decreases. This results in many negative effects. Peptides work by giving specific instructions to cells and molecules, making them a more effective alternative to traditional medicine. Because they are so specific to certain receptor sites, peptides are also well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Peptide Therapy can assist any many beneficial functions to the body including aid in muscle repair, accelerate injury recovery time, promoting weight loss and lean muscle gain, increasing growth hormone production, and even help reverse the signs of sexual dysfunction.
THYMOSIN ALPHA-1
It’s all about Immunity and currently, there is a concern for the Covid-19 virus – and we understand many individuals are searching for help. Recently, we have included two immune-modifying peptides to our regimen of Peptide Therapies. The first is Thymosin Alpha-1, which is a peptide that is used in the treatment and prevention of multiple diseases. As a biological response modifier/adapter, Thymosin Alpha-1 functions as a long-acting protein that boosts the body’s immune response. Thymosin Alpha -1 is a peptide that has the potential for treating viral and bacterial lung infections – with off-label uses include COVID-19 treatments and prevention of respiratory complications, septic shock, and many other conditions.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THYMOSIN ALPHA-1
Thymosin alpha 1 (T α 1) is a peptide, produced naturally by the thymus gland. The thymus is where immune cells known as T cells mature and are released when prompted to do so by the T α 1 peptide. T cell production and action within the body are vital to adaptive immunity. This is the mode by which immune cells can kill foreign invaders & then recognize and remember (have memory). Therefore, once you fight and win the battle against illness, your body will protect you in the future if re-exposed. Specifically, T α 1 has been shown to enhance the function of certain immune cells called T and dendritic cells. These white blood cells play pivotal roles in the body’s defense process to anyone with a depressed immune system or suffering from an underlying infection.
BENEFITS OF THYMOSIN ALPHA-1:
- Exhibits Antiviral properties [which may benefit individuals with active Covid-19 or exposure concerns]
- Modulate immune function and inflammation
- Improves chronic fatigue
- Effective for acute and chronic infections
- Suppresses tumor growth
- Exhibits Antibacterial and Antifungal properties
- Improved autoimmune function
- Antifungal and antibacterial properties
- Protects against oxidative damage
- Lyme Disease treatment
- Increases vaccine effectiveness
- Enhances the function of certain immune cells called T cells & Dendritic cells
*This product is not FDA approved and therefore outside of clinical use, but substantial information is available on its role in clinical observational trials.
PEPTIDE THERAPY
T cells, for example, come in two forms: killer-T and helper-T cells. Killer-T cells search out, hunt down, and destroy our body’s own cells that are cancerous or infected with bacteria or viruses (like where Covid-19 likes to hide). Helper-T cells work with the other cells of the immune system to orchestrate and carry out appropriate immune responses. Mentioned earlier, are dendritic cells.
Dendritic cells are known as “professional” antigen-presenting cells. Antigens are any substance that prompts an immune response, such as protein from a virus. Dendritic cells ingest and degrade pathogens, but they are particularly good at presenting the broken-down products to other cells of the immune system as antigens. Other immune cells can present antigens, but none do so as efficiently as dendritic cells. They are the most common cells protecting our external environment – skin, lungs, and gut lining.
T cells, for example, come in two forms: killer-T and helper-T cells. Killer-T cells search out, hunt down, and destroy our body’s own cells that are cancerous or infected with bacteria or viruses (like where Covid-19 likes to hide). Helper-T cells work with the other cells of the immune system to orchestrate and carry out appropriate immune responses. Mentioned earlier, are dendritic cells.
Dendritic cells are known as “professional” antigen-presenting cells. Antigens are any substance that prompts an immune response, such as protein from a virus. Dendritic cells ingest and degrade pathogens, but they are particularly good at presenting the broken-down products to other cells of the immune system as antigens. Other immune cells can present antigens, but none do so as efficiently as dendritic cells. They are the most common cells protecting our external environment – skin, lungs, and gut lining.
Researchers at Harvard published a study in Scientific Reports which showed that Thymosin Alpha-1 modulates the immune system and down-regulates the progression of melanoma and breast cancer with a prolonged half-life.
In addition to its use in the treatment of Hepatitis, AIDS, and Cancer, T α 1 has shown great promise in the treatment of Lyme disease, Lupus, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is unsurprising when one considers the large role the immune system plays in combating the disease.
T α 1 assists the immune system in the location and eradication of the Lyme bacteria and infected cells, while helping to prevent oxidative damage, thereby decreasing inflammation, and enabling a better quality of life throughout treatment.
WHO THYMOSIN ALPHA-1 CAN HELP
Studies have shown that individuals fighting infection have a lower amount of circulating T α 1 and suppressed helper T cell numbers compared to healthy individuals. This is problematic, as the optimal immune function is vital to recovery from infection. Supplementation with T α 1 has the potential for a great therapeutic benefit for patients looking to strengthen their immune system and those suffering from an infection or autoimmune disease.
TAKEAWAYS
Thymosin Alpha-1 is an excellent immune modulator. Thymosin is a small protein produced naturally by the thymus gland which stimulates the development of disease-fighting T cells. The thymus is an integral part of your immune system, where individual T-cells are made to respond to the millions of bacteria, fungi, or viruses that could invade your body. Commonly prescribed for the treatment for chronic viral diseases, Thymosin Alpha-1 has been shown to increase innate immunity factors and help fight against harmful autoimmune processes. It is given to help control inflammation associated with chronic diseases which can cause excess fatigue.
COMMON FORMULAS & PROTOCOLS
Thymosin Alpha-1 (15mg) Vial – .15mcg SQ injection daily for 30 days
Thymosin Alpha-1 (2000mcg/ml) Nasal Spray 15ml Bottle – 200mcg (1-2 sprays) each nostril daily
*Each protocol is followed by a 30-day holiday
THYMOSIN BETA-4
In humans, the thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) protein is made up of 43 amino acids and present in many tissues throughout the body. According to research on the structure, function, and biological properties supporting current and future clinical applications of Thymosin Beta-4, published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, this protein has been found to facilitate tissue regeneration, the formation of blood cells, the survival of cells, and a host of other functions. The applications resulting from these roles suggest the protein can benefit in the treatment of lung inflammatory disease, as well as complications related to the central nervous system and sepsis.
Thymosin is a hormone secreted from the thymus. Its primary function is to stimulate the production of T cells, which are an important part of the immune system. Thymosin also assists in the development of B cells to plasma cells to produce antibodies.
The physiological processes of the Thymic peptide hormones which are naturally produced in the thymus gland include stimulation or suppression of immune responses, regulation of actin dynamics and cell motility, neuroplasticity, repair, and remodeling of vessels of the heart and other injured tissues, angiogenesis, and stem cell differentiation. Essentially, thymic peptides modulate the immune system and can aid in the treatments of chronic infections.
Tβ 4 is present in all human cells but naturally found in higher concentrations in tissue damaged areas. Tβ 4 has been found to play an important role in the protection, regeneration, and remodeling of injured or damaged tissues. After an injury, Tβ 4 is released by platelets and numerous other types of cells to protect the most damaged cells and tissues and to reduce inflammation and microbial growth.
In addition to the benefits listed above, it also is a potent anti-inflammatory and promotes hair growth.
BENEFITS OF THYMOSIN BETA-4:
Promotes Hair Growth
Darkening of grayed hair
Works at the cellular level supporting tissue Stem Cells to heal and regenerate the injured tissue
Enhances collagen deposition
Promotes rapid wound healing with little to no scarring
Calms muscle spasm
Improved muscle tone
Increased exchange of substances between cells
Encourages tissue repair
Stretches connective tissue
Helps improve & maintain flexibility
Potent anti-inflammatory for wounds, muscles, and tissue in joints
Prevention of adhesions and fibrous band formation in injures tissues – muscles, tendons & ligaments
Encourages the growth of new blood cells in tissue
Increased endurance and strength
Prevents the formation of adhesions and fibrous bands in muscles, tendons, and ligaments
Protection & restoration of neurons post-traumatic-brain-injury (TBI’s)
Reduces acute & chronic pain and/or inflammation
*This product is not FDA approved and therefore outside of clinical use, but substantial information is available on its role in clinical observational trials.
THYMOSIN BETA-4
Recent studies have revealed that the first gene to be upregulated after an injury is a Tβ4 gene. Therefore, we must realize how important this peptide truly is. An injury is not just trauma like a muscle tear or a contusion. An infection damages tissue too. For example, Covid-19, pneumonia, COPD, all result in tissue injures, whether directly to the lungs or indirectly, to areas like the heart.
Right as the body begins the recovery process, Tβ4 production is activated, resulting in a cascade of reparative events. The recently injured area will undergo new blood vessel proliferation - causing blood, nutrients, growth factors as well as other healing substances to be delivered to the site. Tβ4 has potent anti-inflammatory properties and it works to minimize the number of inflammatory substances, called cytokines, from being transported to the injured site.
Individuals with chronic illnesses are significantly affected by inflammatory damage. In fact, many chronic conditions can be well correlated with inflammation – the more there is, the greater the disease progression, and the more impact against the quality of life. Some diseases with known negative associations with inflammatory damage are Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Auto-immune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus, Lyme Disease, Fibromyalgia, infections, etc., could all be potentially impacted by having Tβ4 instituted into the patient’s treatment protocol.
The discovery of the role of Tβ4 in the process of immune regulation has led to its use as a valuable therapeutic agent. Tβ4 has been recently used in the management and treatment of Covid-19, as well as for HIV, AIDS, Influenza, colds, and various other infections. It has been utilized in the management of various inflammatory conditions, as well as part of treatment following a heart attack due to its cardio and neuroprotective effects. Athletes use this Peptide for repair, especially after surgery.
Tβ4 has been known to be well tolerated and has not been found to cause any significant side effects. It can be taken on its own or in conjunction with an existing therapy, making it a versatile and valuable peptide.
