Part Two and Part Three are here.
On September 5, 2023, I purchased my first set of peptides, marking the start of an exciting personal exploration. These were lyophilized peptides, arriving in small glass vials as a delicate, powder-like consistency - a sight that felt both intriguing and a little daunting as a newcomer.
Why I Chose Peptides: From Semaglutide to Epithalon
The idea came through a conversation with a friend who introduced me to micro-dosing Semaglutide. At first, I hesitated: GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide were on my radar for weight loss, but I didn’t see myself as a candidate. I’m 5’5” and, while not obese or even particularly chunky, I’ve always carried about 10 extra pounds after vacations, settling around 135 lbs. With strict keto diets, meticulous calorie counting, and intermittent fasting, I could drop to 125 lbs - but it was a battle. As a startup founder, I’m no stranger to stress, and I often joke that I’m married to anxiety as much as I am to my wonderful husband. During those intense moments, my eating habits spiral overeating without control, consuming anything in sight. My anxious behaviour is that I can not control during the extremes what I eat. I eat a lot, and everything.
Learning that GLP-1 benefits extend beyond obesity was a revelation. It wasn’t just about weight; it could help manage appetite and stress-related eating. That shifted my perspective, and I dove into research, eagerly exploring subreddits like r/peptides and r/researchpeptides to gather insights from others’ experiences. Armed with this anecdotal knowledge, I felt ready to begin.
My First Peptide Protocol
With my box of peptides in hand, options aimed at metabolism, renewal, and stamina.
Semaglutide microdose targeted hunger direction. MOTs-C emphasized cellular boost. Ipamorelin centered on hormone rise for muscle keeping. Epithalon focused on genetic care. GHK-cu advanced tissue mending.
Patterns set weekly, stressing evening for some to sync with bodily phases. Combining produced mutual gains, advancing restoration.
I had 5 weeks in San Francisco, and I came there for extreme networking. So I needed extra energy. After week two I noticed the effects, Going to the gym and doing weight lifting session, or cardio at 5 am, followed by work and sales calls till 6 pm then networking event usually one or two per day. Just to be be in bed by 10:30 pm and lights out.
The regimen began with Semaglutide microdose for appetite guidance. MOTs-C targeted mitochondrial enhancement. Ipamorelin focused on growth hormone stimulation to retain muscle. Epithalon addressed DNA maintenance. GHK-cu supported tissue renewal.
Stacking allowed complementary effects, fostering recovery. I created a Google sheet for tracking - you can find it here
After weeks in a networking hub, noticeable shifts occurred. Early gym sessions and extended days flowed smoothly, evoking renewed vigor without prior exhaustion. This aligned with goals for enduring performance.
What Each Peptide Offers
Here’s what I decided to start off with:
MOTs-C
This peptide affects energy routes and resilience. It triggers systems for glucose management and fat handling. Capacity grows via mitochondrial upgrades. Longevity elements defend from functional drops. The Mayo Clinic covers comparable mitochondrial parts in vitality.
After two weeks I felt the difference - the immediate ones I noticed is the effect of MOTs-C and Semaglutide. For MOTs-C Do you remember when you were young? So this gives me the same feeling, I am youthful, but not dumb this time. I am not going to waste my energy on anything that what my purpose today is. I love this feeling.
Metabolic Health and Fat Loss
Improves insulin sensitivity by activating AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), which enhances glucose uptake and lipid oxidation
Promotes fatty acid metabolism, particularly in liver and muscle tissues, contributing to weight management.
Exercise Performance and Endurance
Enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and function, leading to improved endurance and physical performance.
Increases glucose utilization in skeletal muscles, mimicking exercise-like effects without actual exertion in some models.
Anti-Aging and Longevity
MOTS-c expression declines with age, and supplementation in older animals extends lifespan and maintains metabolic flexibility.
Protects against age-related insulin resistance and inflammation.
Epithalon
Derived from pineal extracts, it activates telomerase for chromosome protection. Melatonin regulation aids sleep cycles. Immune boosts involve cell activity enhancement. Studies on PubMed highlight longevity extensions in models.
After a first few days my circadian rhythm got normalized, that was shocking to me. I just arrived from Amsterdam to San Francisco and it usually takes me 7-9 days to adjust to the time zone. I take melatonin usually too, but with Epithalon I was just sleeping, no hormones.
That was such a sweet kick to get me into a good sleeping schedule. No longer I needed a podcast, or certain rituals to go to sleep. My Apple HomePod would turn the lights to sunset mode, and at 10:30 I was sound alseep. Just keep my sleep hygiene on point, no light no screens.
My post on my supplements and my husband’s supplements
Telomere Extension and Anti-Aging
Epithalon activates telomerase, an enzyme that elongates telomeres (the protective ends of chromosomes).
Longer telomeres are linked to slower cellular aging, improved cell longevity, and protection from age-related diseases.
Pineal Gland & Melatonin Regulation
Enhances melatonin production by restoring pineal gland function, especially in older individuals.
Helps regulate circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality, mood, and hormonal homeostasis.
Immune System Support
Increases T-cell activity, boosts interferon production, and improves natural killer (NK) cell function.
Shown to reduce the risk of age-related infections and malignancies in older adults.
Cancer and Degeneration Prevention
In animal and human models, Epithalon exhibits oncostatic (anti-tumor) effects by stabilizing DNA and improving genomic integrity.
Lifespan Extension
Multiple studies in mice, rats, and humans (especially Russian cohorts) reported increased lifespan, reduced mortality, and enhanced physical/mental function in aging populations.
GHK-Cu
A copper-bound tripeptide, it promotes collagen synthesis for skin and wound care. Hair growth stimulation occurs via follicular support. DNA repair counters aging. Anti-inflammatory properties reduce damage. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tri-peptide (Gly-His-Lys) bound to copper(II). It is found in human plasma, saliva, and urine, with levels declining sharply with age.
GHK-cu it’s a vibrant blue color, same as the color of the eyes of the inhabitants of the planet Dune, thats how bright that is. Took more than 2 months to notice too, but the skin around my eyes got firmer and the crow feet wrinkles got unnoticeable.
Skin Regeneration & Wound Healing
Stimulates collagen and elastin production, improves skin firmness, elasticity, and wound repair.
Promotes angiogenesis and reduces inflammation and scarring.
Hair Growth
Encourages dermal papilla activity and follicular remodeling - effective in androgenic alopecia and thinning hair (different delivery than sub q).
Anti-Aging / DNA Repair
Activates genes involved in cellular repair, antioxidant defenses, and anti-inflammation .
Ipamorelin and Semaglute are here in Part 2
I’ve set up a weekly routine, aligned with my schedule, and I’ll track my progress diligently. This is a personal experiment, driven by curiosity and a desire to share openly with you.
Disclaimer
This is not medical advice. The content on this Substack is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or the use of peptides.
My experiences with peptides are personal and may not be typical. Individual results can vary widely based on personal health conditions, lifestyle, and other factors. Do not rely on my experiences as a guarantee of similar outcomes.
The information provided here does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by any regulatory authority, including the FDA or other health organizations. Some peptides may be experimental or not approved for general use.
I am not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use or misuse of information shared on this Substack. Readers are solely responsible for their own actions and any decisions made based on this content.
The peptides discussed are for research purposes and may not be intended for human use. Please ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations regarding the purchase, possession, and use of peptides.
General Considerations:
Administration Timing: Peptides like Ipamorelin are best administered before bed to align with the body's natural growth hormone release. MOTs-c and Tirzepatide are often taken earlier in the day to support metabolism.
Stacking: Certain peptides, like GHK-cu for skin health and TB-500 for tissue repair, work synergistically to enhance overall anti-aging and recovery benefits.
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