Peptides have become one of the most exciting buzzwords in modern wellness, longevity, and performance medicine. You’ll see them mentioned in fitness circles, skin health, weight management, and even cognitive support. But what exactly are peptides, and should you be on them?
This guide breaks it down in a way that’s easy to understand.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. They are usually made up of 2-50 amino acids. The same building blocks that make up proteins. You can think of them as “mini proteins” that act like messengers in the body. Because they’re smaller than full proteins, they’re easier for the body to absorb and can target specific receptors with high precision.
Your body naturally produces hundreds of peptides every day. They help regulate:
Modern peptide therapies work by supporting or amplifying the body’s natural signaling pathways in a more targeted and controlled way. Unlike traditional synthetic growth hormone (HGH), peptides stimulate your own physiologic hormone pulses rather than overriding them, which generally leads to fewer and more predictable side effects.
Because each peptide has a specific and predictable effect, they can be used to support a wide range of goals and are most effective when targeted. Some of the most common categories include:
Certain peptides help regulate blood sugar, appetite, fat burning, and metabolic rate. Examples include GLP-1 agonists, AOD-9604, and MOTS-c.
Peptides like CJC-1295/Ipamorelin or Tesamorelin stimulate natural growth hormone pulses, helping with muscle building, reduced fat, faster recovery, and deeper sleep.
BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, and GHK-Cu support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and accelerate recovery from strains or injuries.
Peptides like Semax, Selank, and Dihexa can enhance focus, mood stability, and mental clarity.
Peptides such as Epitalon or NAD-related compounds work at the cellular level to improve energy production, repair DNA damage, and support healthy aging.
GHK-Cu is widely used in skincare for collagen production, elasticity, pigmentation, and wound healing.
Delivery methods vary depending on how the peptide works:
Each method is chosen to maximize how well the peptide binds to its target receptor.
When sourced through licensed pharmacies, peptides are generally considered safe and well-tolerated. Because many mimic natural processes in the body, side effects tend to be mild and reversible. The key is working with a provider who understands dosing, cycling, and quality, especially since the market is filled with unregulated “research chemical” websites.
Medical-grade peptides should always come with:
These are patient-specific compounding pharmacies.
They make medications only after receiving an individual prescription for a named patient.
Key points:
These are the pharmacies used in concierge practices (like Bowery Clinic).
Peptides are used by a wide spectrum of people:
Because peptides are modular and targeted, protocols can be customized for nearly any goal.
We’re at the early stages of peptide medicines. New compounds are emerging every year, and their potential spans far beyond weight loss or muscle building. They offer a meaningful shift toward precision **care **treatments designed to work with the body, not against it.
As more research develops, peptides are positioned to become core tools in preventative care, metabolic health, aging, and cognitive support.
1. Repair & Recovery Peptides
2. Cognitive & Stress Modulators
3. Growth Hormone Secretagogues (GHS)
4. Metabolic & Fat-Loss Peptides
5. Longevity & Mitochondrial Peptides
Yes. All compounded peptides require a prescription to be used safely and legally.
Bowery Clinic is a concierge longevity and peptide virtual clinic designed for people who want a higher standard of care than traditional telemedicine. We focus on advanced peptide therapy, recovery, muscle optimization, metabolic support, and long-term vitality.
At Bowery Clinic, all treatments are dispensed through licensed 503A, FDA-registered compounding pharmacies, ensuring high-quality peptides with verified sterility, potency, and COAs. No unregulated sources. No “research peptides.” No risks from black-market products.
You can learn more by clicking the link here.