#574

Sleepdoc, I’m just curious. Are you a Sleep Doctor? If so, I may need to set up an appointment because good sleep is one of my strongest needs. Thanks.

#575

Retired anesthesiologist.

2 Likes
#576

Close enough to a sleep doctor :joy::joy:

3 Likes
#577

FWIW:
A little blog today, probably TMI for most. But, for those interested in various peptides and what people are using them for, this is my little current experiment with peptides.

I will be using Hexarelin and Ipamorelin primarily to prevent sarcopenia and hopefully see if an 83+ year-old can still add a little muscle mass. I am not interested in TRT or other steroids for various personal reasons, which is why I am investigating the peptide route.

“Hexarelin was originally developed in the 1980s by a team of researchers at Tulane Medical School that were interested in creating a growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) that did not cause incidental elevation of sex hormones, insulin, or glucagon”
Also of interest is the peptide’s ability to protect the heart. It has been shown to increase the efficiency of cardiac muscle contractions, prevent and reverse heart damage due to reduced blood flow during ischemic events, and increase cardiac output in bypass surgery patients"

Hexarelin for Recovery
As a growth hormone secretagogue, hexarelin enables the body to use growth hormone to improve muscle, tendon, and bone repair following injury or intense exercise [9]. When the body is able to rapidly heal from tissue trauma, one can increase training intensity and/or volume without excessive fatigue or muscle damage."

There is actually quite a long list of other benefits for Hexarelin, including weight loss and brain health

I have been using this for a month for wound healing. The results are nothing short of amazing.
I have been taking 100 mcg three times daily.

Now that I am returning to the gym and doing resistance training, I will be using it primarily for muscle growth. I will be taking 300 mcg along with 250 mcg of Ipamorelin ~30 minutes post-exercise.

Ipamorelin:
"Ipamorelin is a lab-made compound known as a growth hormone-releasing peptide. It stimulates the body to release growth hormone, which promotes the systemic growth of muscle, bone, vasculature, and other cells and body tissues.

One of the most widely reported effects of ipamorelin is that it can stimulate muscle growth. Considering ipamorelin and other growth hormone releasing peptides are banned from use in competitive sports, there may in fact be a connection between muscle growth and ipamorelin.

Ipamorelin is unique among growth hormone-releasing peptides in that, unlike most, it does not activate the body’s natural stress response. This gives ipamorelin an advantage over other compounds in its class."

Ipamorelin is a growth hormone-releasing peptide. It stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone, which encourages cell and tissue proliferation. Ipamorelin acts much like the hormone ghrelin, which also stimulates growth hormone.

As a ghrelin mimetic, ipamorelin binds to ghrelin receptors in the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of an intermediary hormone, growth hormone stimulating hormone. Growth hormone stimulating hormone then signals for growth hormone to be released.

However, ipamorelin has a distinct advantage over other ghrelin mimetics. While others also activate the body’s stress response, causing a number of other physical and biochemical changes in the body, ipamorelin is extremely targeted. It does not appear to activate the stress response, making it more of a “pure” growth hormone releasing peptide.
There are several potential benefits of ipamorelin, all stemming from its effect on growth hormone. Ipamorelin stimulates the ghrelin receptor, which is a hormone that signals for the pituitary gland to release growth hormone"

“Hexarelin has been shown to be a potent GH secretagogue, capable of inducing significant GH release in both single and repeated doses.[1-2] It has also demonstrated synergistic effects when combined with growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), although this synergism diminishes with repeated administration.[1] Long-term administration of Hexarelin can lead to a partial and reversible attenuation of the GH response.[3]
Ipamorelin, on the other hand, is another GHRP that has been shown to have high potency and efficacy in stimulating GH release.[4] It has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, with moderate resistance to metabolism and good bioavailability.[5]
The potential for using Hexarelin and Ipamorelin synergistically for promoting muscle growth is theoretically plausible, given their individual abilities to stimulate GH release. However, there is no direct evidence in the provided literature that specifically investigates the combined use of these two peptides for muscle growth post-resistance training. The studies primarily focus on their individual effects and interactions with other GH secretagogues or modulators.
Therefore, while both peptides individually show promise in stimulating GH release, there is no current evidence to support the synergistic use of Hexarelin and Ipamorelin for promoting muscle growth. Further research would be needed to explore this potential combination therapy. Patients and caregivers should consult with healthcare providers to discuss the most appropriate and evidence-based strategies for muscle growth and recovery.”

So, perhaps a little uncharted territory. I will report on the results in ~ 6 months or before then if I have any unpleasant or negative side effects.

12 Likes
#578

I thought the growth hormone secretagogues are best taken immediately before bedtime to accentuate the release of GH that occurs in the first few hours of sleep(?). I’ve never heard of people taking them post-workout (but I’m certainly no expert in this area!)

1 Like
#579

Same here.
Semax nasal spray was my first venture into peptides. I am a nonresponder to supplement hype. A supplement or medication has to work on its own without any faith or hope on my part.
Semax was quite apparent in its ability to improve brain function.
I am now using Donamem Memantine Hydrochloride (not a peptide) from India to maintain the benefits I got from Semax. Right now, my brain is functioning on all cylinders, perhaps not processing as fast as when I was young, but it is more than adequate.

7 Likes
#580

I understand your thinking; this is true for many growth hormone supplements.

Ipamorelin and Hexarelin have a short half-life of approximately 2 hours.

This is my understanding from researching various sources:

"Given Ipamorelin’s short half-life of approximately 2 hours, the optimal timing for administration to maximize muscle growth after resistance training is immediately post-workout.

Here’s why:

Peak Growth Hormone Release: Administering Ipamorelin immediately post-workout coincides with the peak of growth hormone release triggered by intense exercise. This timing can amplify the growth hormone surge, leading to enhanced muscle protein synthesis and recovery.
Rapid Absorption: Subcutaneous injection ensures quick absorption of the peptide into the bloodstream, allowing it to reach its target tissues promptly.
By taking Ipamorelin immediately after your workout, you can potentially maximize its benefits for muscle growth and recovery."

In any case, this is going to be my initial experiment.

4 Likes
#581

After experimenting with 400-mcg doses of Selank, which did nothing for me, I tried Semax at a larger dose of 1 mg. At first, the Semax didn’t motivate me, but it did keep me up all night. And now, 24 hours after dosing, I’m getting a little work in and feeling more productive.

Researchers have noticed that Semax has rapid responders and conventional responders. Although they didn’t say anything about slow responders and nonresponders, I’m sure they exist. Some redditors say that the effect is cumulative.

1 Like
#582

I am a fan of peptides, and I am using them and will continue to use them. I think they are the next big thing in extending the human health span among the elderly.

The bottom line is that we are just experimenters here, a little ahead of the curve.
We are relying on some animal studies, anecdotal evidence, and a few subpar human studies.

User experience may vary widely. We are experimenting somewhat blindly.
As my PCP once told me, I am playing on house money. So I don’t care.
The peptides are relatively safe; maybe the suppliers not so much.

6 Likes
#583

I have high hopes for longevity as well as health span.

2 Likes
#584

I’ve actually been wondering about this lately, before you even posted about it, and wondering why none of the main peptide social influencers seem to recommend pre- or post-exercise GHR peptides (looking at you, Hunter Williams), but instead they recommend before bed (while fasted at least 2 hours) and first thing in the morning (fasted, no calories for at least 30 min afterward).

I’m assuming it has something to do with generally antagonistic effect of insulin on GH release, such that one would need to work out fasted to get an appreciable GH release and avoid a post-workout meal for at least a while(?).

#585

Don’t know any more than you can find out for yourself.

#586

Where were you quoting from in your post about post-workout ipamorelin?

#587

Me: What is the time course of GH secretion post-exercise?

Dr.Oracle: Growth hormone (GH) secretion typically begins to increase during resistance exercise and peaks within 15-30 minutes after the workout ends. The elevated GH levels can persist for up to 1-2 hours post-exercise, gradually returning to baseline.

Maybe it makes more sense to take a GHR peptide immediately prior to exercise rather than after(?)

Also, this:

Me: Does eating prior to exercise decrease growth hormone secretion?

Dr.Oracle: Eating prior to exercise can indeed affect growth hormone (GH) secretion. Generally, consuming a meal, especially one high in carbohydrates, before exercise tends to decrease the GH response to the workout. This is primarily due to the increase in blood glucose and insulin levels following a meal, which can suppress GH secretion. The effect is more pronounced when the meal is consumed closer to the exercise session. However, the impact can vary depending on the timing, composition, and size of the meal, as well as the intensity and duration of the exercise. Some studies suggest that protein intake before exercise might have less of a suppressive effect on GH compared to carbohydrates. For optimal GH response, it’s often recommended to exercise in a fasted state or allow sufficient time between eating and exercising.

So, either fasted or maybe low-carb protein shake prior to exercise along with GHR peptide? Or exercise fasted with pre-workout GHR and then maybe wait an hour after exercising before eating.

3 Likes
#588

Sorry, I was talking about social influencers just because they have a PhD in some area doesn’t mean they’re experts in all areas. Peptides are a relatively new science and there are very few experts.

2 Likes
#590

Could frequent peptide users kindly share their recommended suppliers? I live outside the USA and have noticed that some US-based suppliers only ship domestically. I’m looking for reliable and affordable sources for commonly used peptides that offer international shipping. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

#591

I found these two articles to be interesting reading. The first one published on the NIH website in 2022 is a positive Russian view of peptides and their future. The second published on the Russian website paperpaper.ru in 2024 is an article that questions Khavinson’s work. However, it’s still an interesting article. If you like details you may find one or both interesting.

4 Likes
#592

"the US FDA approved the use of Epitalon peptide for melatonin production and slowing aging.”

It’s an interesting read for sure, but as usual it’s important to take Russian news sources with a grain of salt.

3 Likes
#593

Khavinson’s peptide compounds

Partial translation

The official online store of the peptide company №1

Peptides is an exclusive partner of the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontolia in Russia and the EAEU.

Peptides – a company that is engaged in the production and distribution of the Havinson line of peptide bioregulators in the Russian Federation and foreign countries.

  • Our website features official Havinson’s peptides.
  • All products are original and certified.
  • For you, when buying Hawinson’s peptides and Peptides bioregulators, we provide comprehensive, free consulting support.
  • You can directly ask a question to a doctor certified by St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology or a specialist at Peptides.
  • When registering, each buyer is assigned an individual number, indicating which you can receive discounts when ordering products in any online store and representative office around the world.

I have NO financial interest in this company.

I do have an interest in using their products and services

3 Likes
#594

My first vial was 5mg to which I added 2ml of sterile water and figured out that this would give me 330mcg per squirt. Day 1 I started with just one 330mcg squirt and worked up to 3x330mcg over successive days. My ‘amped up brain’ encourages me to play Beat Saber (Quest VR) on ‘Hard’ mode which I had never previously been able to do. After almost a year playing the game from Easy to Normal levels, and around 50 tunes, I was never previously able to get more than 10 seconds into ‘Hard’ levels of difficulty. I’d play this game for maybe 25 minutes 3 times a week, One day I wondered why the blocks appeared to be moving so slowly and then realised I’d dosed Semax 10 minutes earlier. I ended up playing for more than an hour and scored no fails on multiple songs in ‘Hard’ mode. Unfortunately my limbs haven’t been able to keep up with my rejuvenated brain and both rotator cuffs have been painful after old injuries. It’s as though my brain anticipates the blocks and even if my eyes don’t actually appear to ‘see’ both left side and right side my brain knows where to cut the blocks. Worth trying if you are into video games!
I also tried Semax along with Selank and noticed no difference mentally however my mood overall seemed to improve but difficult to say.
I’m now using a 50mg vial and dosing 1000mcg a day for the next few weeks.
Aiming to finish at least one Beat Saber tune on Expert+ mode!

3 Likes