WELLNESS
WHAT IS IT?
Our medical weightloss clinic membership is tailored specifically to your needs based on your health status, medical history, and bloodwork. The program is a 1:1 medically guided weight loss program that is done virtually with one of our medical providers and a nutritionist that will help guide you with a tailored meal plan and workout routine. On average, our patients have been able to successfully lose 15-20lbs per cycle (3 months).
THE VIRTUAL CONSULTATION
The initial virtual consult consists of a 45-minute session with one of our medical providers that will go in depth regarding your current health status, diet, physical activity, barriers, issues with weight loss, and goals. A detailed medical history and physical is obtained. Based on all the information gathered, a plan of care will be established consisting of some lab orders and prescriptions that will vary based on all the information gathered. Not everyone gets the same prescriptions or lab order. There are several factors that determine what will be ordered.
WHAT IS SEMAGLUTIDE?
Currently the #1 Weight Loss Medication available. In a recent study average total body weight loss was –15.8%.
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved medication that supports chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those with weight-related conditions and health risks. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that’s similar to incretin, a naturally-occurring hormone that controls your appetite. As such, the semaglutide medication can control your appetite and prevent hunger pangs, thus supporting your weight loss goals. No restrictive diet or intense exercise needed!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
GLP-1a drugs activate GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, enhancing the release of insulin and reducing the release of glucagon. The combination of these actions leads to glucose homeostasis, which triggers the burning of fat storage for energy. It helps to regulate both insulin and glucagon to avoid erratic insulin and blood sugar spikes that lead to insulin resistance and obesity. GLP-1 agonist also delays the gastric emptying of your stomach causing you to feel fuller faster and for longer periods of time.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, tiredness, dizziness, or constipation may occur. Nausea usually lessens as you continue to use semaglutide. If any of these effects last or get worse, let us know and we can appropriately titrate your dose. Semaglutide is based on tolerance. There have been reports of acute pancreatitis amongst people who attempt to go up on dose too quickly without giving their body adequate time to adjust. This is why it’s important to follow my titration scale to avoid possible issues. Taking daily fiber and B-complex is essential to prevent constipation specially as you go up on the dose and also nausea. B6 particularity is important to cut the nausea. I recommend my patients to start taking fiber and B-complex in liquid form as soon as starting semaglutide.
HOW IS IT TAKEN?
Semaglutide is injected once a week subcutaneously either morning or night. It is recommended either in the belly or on the thigh and alternate locations every week. Watch before you take your injection. You cannot do intermittent fasting diets and you must eat at least every 4-5 hours. Increase your water intake because the medication will make you more thirsty. I do not recommend a specific diet. The medication slows down the gastric emptying so you will feel fuller faster so you won’t be able to eat as much as you’re used to however just make better food choices. Exercise regularly, no restrictions. No alcohol because it will make you super nauseated with this medication.
SUBCUTANEOUS SEMAGLUTIDE INJECTION:
LISTEN AND RESPECT your body. Do not feel obligated to go all the way up to the highest dose. Go up to where YOU can tolerate it. A higher dosage does not equal better/faster results (especially if it makes you super sick, it’s not helping you in any way). Stay on the dose you are comfortable with and increase according to your tolerance.
IS INSURANCE REQUIRED?
No, insurance is not required. Our weight loss plan is affordable without insurance and you can select a semaglutide weight loss plan and pay out of pocket. our prices are transparent and cost effective.
WHO CANNOT TAKE SEMAGLUTIDE?
Patients who are pregnant, lactating, having dumping syndrome, low blood sugar, history of medullary cancer, thyroid CA, endocrine neoplasia syndrome, type 1 diabetes.
HOW DO I BOOK?
Book your virtual consult with Dr. Zoe Gazola DNP by clicking the link below:
We will give you a lab slip to complete labs.
Patient is responsible for their laboratory costs.
WHAT IS THE COST?
$975 three month supply of semaglutide and supplies
$1125 three month supply semaglutide + MIC lipotropic shots.
WHAT IS MIC?
The program does include a 3-month supply of MIC injections that you will self-administer at home.
M: MEHTIONINE
Is one of the sulfur-containing amino acids that acts as a lipotropic agent to prevent excess fat build-up in the liver and body. This amino acid helps to reduce belly fat that accumulates around the organs of the stomach. Methionine also detoxifies the body from heavy metals and toxins caused by ionizing radiation. This amino acid is critical for metabolism and weight loss and detoxification of the liver.
I: INOSITOL
Is a B8 vitamin nutrient belonging to the B vitamin family and closely associated with choline. It aids in the metabolism of fats, helps reduce blood cholesterol, and participates in the action of serotonin production. It influences the action of insulin and blood sugar control. Inositol also affects your mood by controlling your serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain (the happy and calm feelings). Several studies have shown benefits with inositol with depression, anxiety, panic disorders, and bipolar disorders. Inositol helps to lower triglycerides in the blood which improves insulin function.
Some interesting findings with research have also shown that inositol combined with folic acid promotes ovulation in women with PCOS.
C: CHOLINE
Is a water-soluble compound. Supports the health of the liver in its processing and excretion of chemical waste products within the body. Choline helps to metabolize fats and cholesterol out of the liver.
METHYLCOBALAMIN (B12)
Methylcobalamin is the purest B12 form available and is important in brain function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that affects the way in which fats and carbohydrates are metabolized. B12 makes myelin which covers the nerve fibers and protects them.
The MIC injections are self-administered at home. Our medical providers will give you a video-assisted lesson on how to properly inject yourself. These injections are done intramuscularly. Sounds scary? Not at all! The shots do not hurt and they do not burn at all. It is actually quite easy and painless to give yourself an injection. These injections are done in the morning as directed by our medical providers and taken along with other prescriptions and supplementation as recommended as per your unique care plan.
WHERE ARE THE SHOTS GIVEN?
THE MEAL PLAN
Our nutritionist Alan Alves is a nutritionist based out of Brazil that Dr. Gazola has been working with personally for the last 4 years.
After your initial visit with one of our medical providers, you will have another video consultation with Alan to customize a meal plan and workout routine that works for you. He will follow up with you weekly to ensure that you are on track to meet your weight loss goals in collaboration with the medical side of the program. The membership is on a 3-month basis which you can renew anytime.
Weight loss is a lifestyle and commitment. This is why we offer a convenient 3-month membership to maximize your success and also ensure that you are committed to making a lifestyle change. There is no magic pill that will make you lose weight while you sit on the couch and like anything good, consistency and commitment are key. We give you all the tools and support to help you through this process.
WHAT IS TIRZEPATIDE?
Tirzepatide (3rd generation GLP1) possesses a unique dual mechanism of action, targeting both insulin and GLP-1 receptors. By efficiently regulating glucose levels and promoting satiety, this groundbreaking medication propels remarkable weight loss results –18% more weight loss than Semaglutide in a study.
THE DIFFERENCE?
While both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide offer substantial weight loss benefits, their mechanisms of action differ. Semaglutide focuses on targeting GLP-1 receptors with once-weekly dosing, while Tirzepatide takes a dual approach by acting on both insulin and GLP-1 receptors. Balancing their pros and cons can help determine the best fit for your unique journey towards weight management. Tirzepatide is also double the price of Semaglutide and is worth it if you’re unresponsive to Semaglutide.
FINANCING INFORMATION
NOW OFFERING PATIENT FINANCING THROUGH CARE CREDIT
The look to desire is within your reach – and it’s closer than you think.
The Indigo Clinic has partnered with Care Credit, the leader in patient financing. With an array of flexible options and terms to suit your unique needs, along with low monthly payments. The very best in medical aesthetics has never been more accessible.
What’s more – with instant approval and a paperless application process, accessing financing for your procedures with The Indigo Clinic will be as enjoyable as your patient experience itself.
What is BPC 157?
BPC is short for ‘body protective compound’. BPC 157 is what is known as a synthetic peptide chain. Peptides are sequences of amino acids, just like what makes up proteins. The 15 amino acids that make up BPC 157 are derived from human gastric juices in the stomach.
The naturally occurring BPC 157 in our gastric juices is what our bodies use to heal our gut. However, BPC can be taken as a supplement to benefit anywhere in the body.
BPC 157 is what is known as a cytoprotective compound. These compounds help to protect cells from harmful agents. As a result, BPC 157 aids the healing process and helps to protect against oxidative stress.
How Does BPC 157 Work?
BPC 157 initiates a process known as angiogenesis. This is where new blood vessels are formed from pre-existing blood vessels. Angiogenesis promotes healing and induces cells to regenerate faster. This means that when BPC 157 is applied to a specific injury it allows more oxygen and energy to be delivered to the injured spot, hence speeding up recovery.
BPC 157 also prevents the growth-limiting effects of a molecule named 4-hydroxynonenal. This molecule is implicated in the injury, tissue damage, and dysfunction associated with aging. It is also prevalent in other pathological states such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s, as well as inflammatory and cardiovascular complications.
When you use BPC 157 for injury recovery, it stimulates the tendon cells to create more receptors for growth molecules. This helps them to grow and move while the body is healing from injury.
Jeuveau is FDA approved for glabellar lines, which are the vertical mid forehead lines that form between the eyebrows and are often called frown lines or “11” lines. It works by using botulinum toxin type A to relax the underlying muscles that cause wrinkles. Learn More
The Benefits of BPC 157
As more and more research is done on the benefits of BPC 157, the list continues to grow. Some of the key benefits associated with BPC 157 include:
Ligament and tendon healing
Accelerated bone healing
IBD gut tissue repair or ulcers
Reduces inflammation
Improves brain health and mood
Heals mitochondrial damage
Increased fat loss
Stabilized production of certain hormones and
neurotransmitters (eg. serotonin)
Protection of the cardiovascular system
Improved general wound healing
Improved body’s response to allergens and viruses
While BPC 157 is predominantly used to aid in injury recovery, it has also been found to provide several benefits that are associated with a better balance of hormones and improved cardiovascular health. Users of BPC 157 report increased energy, better metabolism, and improved sleep quality.
Some studies have even found that BPC 157 increases testosterone in males. This, and other peptides, seem to offer similar properties to SARMS and several anabolic steroids. While it might not directly increase muscle growth, it will help to reduce recovery time, meaning that athletes can train more frequently at a higher intensity.
For athletes, BPC 157 offers a great way to enhance training. For everyone else, BPC 157 can improve overall vitality.
BPC 157 Side Effects
The human clinical trials conducted with BPC 157 have shown that there are no negative or severe adverse effects with the use of BPC 157. However, there are some side effects that can result from the use of any peptide.
Some of the common side-effects associated with peptide use include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Changes in blood pressure
- Liver and kidney toxicity
- Hot flashes (feeling hot and cold)
- Possibility of heart complications (abnormal heart rhythms, stroke)
- Cancer
It is also worth noting that peptides can be highly toxic to fetuses. Pregnant women mustn’t use BPC 157 or any other peptide.
There is also a risk that preexisting medical conditions or certain kinds of medications could exacerbate side effects. It is paramount that you speak to your doctor or contact us for a free consultation before using BPC 157.
How to Use BPC 157
BPC 157 is still awaiting full-blown human trials, so addressing the ideal dosage is tricky. BPC 157 is often used daily for up to 3 months. After 3 months, it is recommended that individuals take a one-month break from using it.
The general dosage is 2.5-3.75 micrograms per kilogram of body weight.
BPC 157 is commonly administered through subcutaneous injection on the stomach or on the thigh.
However, BPC 157 can also be administered intramuscularly. This method should only be carried out by a doctor. Many athletes opt for intramuscular BPC 157 injections as it is the best way to get close to an injured area and therefore offers the fastest healing effects.
What Is Ipamorelin CJC 1295?
Ipamorelin CJC 1295 is a peptide that’s specifically designed for anti-aging purposes. It helps to improve skin elasticity, increase collagen production, and reduce wrinkles. It can also help to increase lean muscle mass, reduce fat tissue, and improve energy levels.
In other words, it’s kind of like a miracle worker!
Peptides
Peptides are short-chain amino acids used by the body to perform many important functions. Breaking down the benefits mentioned earlier, Ipamorelin is the peptide shown to be effective in increasing lean body mass and reducing fat stores, while CJC 1295 is the peptide that increases levels of human growth hormone.
Combined, these two peptides can have a significant impact on your physique.
How Does It Work?
Ipamorelin CJC 1295 works by increasing growth hormone production in the body. Growth hormone helps to keep our bodies looking young and healthy. As we age, our bodies produce less and less growth hormone, which leads to visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin.
By increasing growth hormone levels with Ipamorelin CJC 1295, we can help to slow down the aging process. This peptide also helps to increase collagen production, which further helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
In addition to its anti-aging effects, Ipamorelin CJC 1295 also helps to increase lean muscle mass and reduce fat tissue. This is accomplished by increasing growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in the body. IGF-1 is a hormone that helps regulate muscle growth and metabolism.
Ipamorelin CJC 1295 also helps to increase energy levels by stimulating the release of ghrelin, a hormone that increases appetite. This peptide can also help improve a person’s quality of sleep by increasing growth hormone levels.
CJC-1295 prompts the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH) in the body through the pituitary gland.
HGH is necessary for many systems in the body and regulates much more than just growth. After around age 30, the amount of HGH in the body starts to decrease and sometimes very rapidly. This decrease of HGH is an innate process and mostly responsible for lower energy and muscle mass, increased inability to build new muscle, increased trouble losing or maintaining weight, weakened immune system, decreased healing efficiency and increased signs of aging.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Ipamorelin CJC 1295 is a safe and effective peptide with very few side effects. The most common side effects are mild and include headaches, flushing, and nausea. These side effects are typically only experienced if you take high doses and will go away on their own.
It’s also important to note that Ipamorelin CJC 1295 is a peptide, not a hormone. This means that it does not have the same side effects as hormones like testosterone or human growth hormone.
What Are The Before And After Results?
The results of using Ipamorelin CJC 1295 vary from person to person. However, most people see an improvement in their skin within 2-6 weeks of use. They also tend to see an increase in energy levels and a decrease in body fat. There are also some reports of increased muscle mass (although this isn’t necessarily common). Overall, the results are pretty amazing!
If you’re looking for a peptide that can help you to achieve a more youthful appearance, Ipamorelin CJC 1295 is a great option.
As you can see, Ipamorelin CJC 1295 can have a dramatic impact on your physique. People who use this peptide combination often report increased lean body mass, reduced fat stores, and improved overall energy levels.
MONTH 1
Increased energy
Improved stamina
Deeper, more restful sleep
MONTH 2
Improved skin, reduced wrinkles
Stronger nails and hair
Increased metabolism
MONTH 3
Enhanced sex drive and performance
Improved mental focus
Improved joint health
MONTH 4
Continued weight reduction
Improved skin elasticity
Increased lean muscle mass
MONTH 5
Noticeably fuller and healthier hair
Reduced appearance of wrinkles, better skin tone
Continued reduction in belly fat
MONTH 6
5-10% reduction in body fat (without exercise/diet)
10% increase in lean muscle mass
Improved vitality due to organ regrowth
Benefits
- Increase of bone density, which can help prevent injuries
- Improvement of cardiovascular system strength
- Increase of muscle mass and higher metabolism
- Improved ability to burn fat
- Enhanced sex drive, improving mood and overall health
- Improved recovery time and healing of injuries
- Strengthening of the immune system
- Improvement of memory function and cognition
Improved body’s response to allergens and viruses
The Right Way to Use It
Ipamorelin CJC 1295 should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once at
bedtime. CJC-1295/Impamorelin should be taken daily for 12-16 weeks at a time.
CJC-1295 take approximately 1-4 hours to reach peak serum levels, while
Ipamorelin works quickly and is typically cleared out of the system rapidly as its
half life is only about two hours.
Growth Hormones.
Controlling the release of growth hormone
The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRP) such as ghrelin stimulate its release. Another hormone, somatostatin, inhibits the release of growth hormone. The regulation of growth hormone (GH) in your body is complex, but just this much of the pathway shows that two compounds stimulate growth hormone release and another inhibits its release. Together these three substances keep growth hormone (GH) levels under tight control. Injecting human growth hormone (HGH) overrides this feedback system and, by doing so, causes side effects and risks.
The pituitary gland is commonly called the master gland. It releases hormones that have many jobs all over the body, but as we age, its ability to produce and distribute these chemical messengers declines. After puberty, growth hormone (GH) levels decrease exponentially. Some studies report a 14% decline per decade and others up to 50% every seven years for adult men (Iranmanesh et al., 1991; Giustina & Veldhuis, 1998). Combine this with a decreased capacity to produce GHRH (in another part of your brain called the hypothalamus) and decreased responsiveness by the pituitary to GHRH, and you can see why growth hormone deficiency is inevitable with aging (Russell-Aulet et al., 1999).
What does growth hormone do?
Growth hormone (GH) is at its highest levels up through the 20s and then begins to drop. Growth hormone stimulates the production and release of IGF-1 from the liver. IGF-1, while circulating in the blood, stimulates growth in all cells including muscle, bones, and organs. Increases in IGF-1 from increased release of growth hormone has the following effects:
- Building muscle mass, which increases strength
- Burning fat for energy, which increases energy levels and
endurance and keeps weight under control - Increasing bone density
- Promoting testicular growth and development and stimulating the production of male and female sex hormones
- Increasing exercise capacity
- Strengthening cardiac muscle
- Thickening skin which can help prevent wrinkles
- Affecting brain function and fluid memory
It is easy to see the correlation between the functions of growth hormone, the drop in growth hormone levels as we age, and the symptoms of aging. This is why research is ongoing to evaluate the potential of peptides as anti-aging molecules.
WHAT IS IPAMORELIN
Ipamorelin acts in a completely different way to stimulate growth hormone release. Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormone because it mimics ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which together act to regulate growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. This is an important distinction between both peptides because Ghrelin also works at the pituitary gland and is responsible for initiating the breakdown of fat for use as energy as well as preventing the breakdown of muscles.
There is always one major concern which must be evaluated whenever you are considering any kind of anti-aging treatment however, and that is whether the benefits outweigh the potential side-effects. Fortunately, in the case of sermorelin vs ipamorelin, that choice seems pretty easy.
Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce GH, there is no shutdown of natural growth hormone production like that which occurs with synthetic hGH administration. Ipamorelin causes GH secretion in a way that more closely resembles natural release patterns, causing growth hormone to be released in a “pulse” type manner, rather than being constantly elevated. This results in fewer side effects compared with synthetic hGH. Ipamorelin creates a smoother, less intense pulse of GH release with a longer duration than most other GHRPs as well, causing GH elevation for up to 3 hours after administration.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IPAMORELIN
- Very powerful anti-aging benefits
- May increase athletic performance, energy, and recovery
- Increased muscle mass
- Decreased body fat
- Enhanced flexibility and joint health
- Promotes better recovery from injuries and training sessions
- Deeper, more restful sleep
- Improved overall health and wellness
Ipamorelin also increases production of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) in the body. This increases the benefits of improved recovery, strength, and lean body mass by speed up muscle growth and enhancing tissue repair. In addition, Ipamorelin’s method of action prevents many of the negative side effects of synthetic hGH administration, including the shutdown of natural growth hormone production.
Ipamorelin is regarded as one of the mildest growth hormone releasing peptides in terms of negative side effects. Even with long term use, concerns of adverse effects are rarely reported. Additionally, it has a negligible effect on cortisol, prolactin, and appetite, unlike other GHRPs. As a result of its targeted effects on natural growth hormone production and its well-tolerated profile, Ipamorelin is one of the most widely sought-after anti-aging peptides.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS
OF SERMORELIN/IPAMORELIN
- Decreased body fat
- Decreased waistline size
- Faster weight loss
- Increased Lean Muscle
- Improved Athletic Performance
- Improved Muscle Recovery After Workout
- Increased libido & Sexual Performance
- Improved Sleeping At Night
- Increased Immune System
- Increased Cell Repair & Regeneration
- Increased Collagen Production
WHAT IS THE DOSING OF IPAMORELIN
Ipamorelin is generally administered in one of two ways. The first is 1-3 times daily at dosages ranging from 200 mcg to 300 mcg per administration. For strength gain or performance enhancement, a common protocol is 300 mcg administered 3 times a day. These higher dosages provide a substantial increase in growth hormone output to facilitate muscle growth, fat loss, and recovery from training and injury.
For anti-aging purposes, lower daily dosages are often more appropriate; for example, 200 mcg prior to bed once daily. These protocols are intended to provide a significant increase in growth hormone production over time while still maintaining a natural pattern of release. For best results, it is recommended to avoid eating at least 1 hour before and after administering Ipamorelin.
Individual results vary and therapy should always be monitored by the prescribing physician. Most physician begin with lower dosing initially and monitor results and side effects.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF IPAMORELIN
Ipamorelin is widely regarded as the most well-tolerated growth hormone secretagogue. Any side effects that may occur are typically mild and dose-dependent, with negative effects rarely occurring at moderate dosage levels.
Generally,
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Changes in blood pressure
- Liver and kidney toxicity
- Hot flashes (feeling hot and cold)
- Possibility of heart complications (abnormal heart rhythms, stroke)
- Cancer
Ipamorelin does not elevate adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and prolactin when used as recommended. When used at extremely high dosages, however, it can have a stimulatory effect on these hormones. Though not an issue for the vast majority of users, this may cause interactions with certain medications or unwanted effects in individuals with certain health conditions. Excessive dosages of Ipamorelin may also lead to water retention as well as tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. This can be another sign that the dosage is too high and should be reduced.
WHAT IS SERMORELIN
According to the Peptide guide, Sermorelin is a synthetically made version of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), the endogenous hormone responsible for stimulating natural growth hormone production. Also known as growth hormone releasing factor and GRF 1-29, it is categorized as a growth hormone secretagogue, a compound which stimulates increased secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.
Like the body’s natural GHRH, Sermorelin works by binding to the growth hormone releasing hormone receptor (or GHRHr) in the anterior part of the pituitary gland. There, it works to stimulate greater production of GH, consequently provoking increases in production of endogenous IGF-1 as well. As it exerts its effects in an identical manner to GHRH, Sermorelin’s positive effect on GH output is modulated by a negative feedback mechanism initiated by somatostatin, the endogenous hormone also known as growth hormone inhibiting hormone (GHIH). This has several positive effects, two of which are the prevention of extreme, unhealthy GH levels in the body and the mirroring of more natural patterns of fluctuation in GH concentrations.
Additionally, its natural action mechanism allows for the preservation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic axis, preventing the shutdown of hormone production that typically accompanies direct replacement with hGH. Further, Sermorelin has also been shown to improve sleep quality, enhancing the duration of restorative slow wave sleep and amplifying sleep-related secretion of growth hormone while reducing production of cortisol (a catabolic stress hormone).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SERMORELIN
Sermorelin stimulates improved natural growth hormone production, resulting:
- Increased muscle
- Increased lean body mass
- Decreased body fat
- Enhanced recovery from injuries and training session
- Deeper, more restful sleep
- Enhanced flexibility and joint health
- Improved overall health and wellness
Enhanced growth hormone (GH) levels also stimulate greater production of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) in the body, further driving improvements in lean body composition with accelerated growth of muscle tissue and reduced body fat. Importantly, as Sermorelin stimulates the body’s natural growth hormone output, none of the negative side effects often associated with synthetic hGH administration typically occur, including shutdown of natural growth hormone production, acromegaly, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Suboptimal levels of growth hormone in the body can devastate an individual’s athletic performance, functional capacity, and overall quality of life. Certainly, growth hormone is a crucial component in numerous physiological processes, with substantial influence in the facilitation of strength, energy, flexibility, vitality, and overall well-being. With low growth hormone levels often comes a loss of muscle mass and strength, weaker bones, reduced exercise capacity, increased body fat, decreased stamina, poor recovery, and unrestorative sleep. Indeed, aging-related decline in growth hormone levels is responsible for many of the debilitating effects commonly experienced when getting older.
To increase growth hormone levels, Sermorelin stimulates the pituitary gland to produce greater amounts of natural GH. Critically, Sermorelin stimulates natural, endogenous production and is not simply synthetic hGH, a fact which offers several important advantages. First, overdoses are virtually impossible, as its effects are mediated with negative feedback by the body’s own regulatory mechanisms. As a result, GH production is unable to reach dangerously high levels, and many of the previously mentioned negative side effects of synthetic hGH administration are avoided. Second, the body’s own production of growth hormone is enhanced rather than shut down (as occurs with administration of exogenous hGH). Therefore, there is no risk of a hormonal crash upon cessation of Sermorelin administration. Third, there is also no likelihood of a diminishing response to administration as there is with hGH. This is due to Sermorelin’s promotion of enhanced yet natural levels of growth hormone in the body. When administered, synthetic hGH causes growth hormone levels to spike and remain unnaturally constant, which can cause its effectiveness to diminish rapidly over time as the body becomes desensitized to its effects. In maintaining blood levels that more closely resemble the body’s natural fluctuations, Sermorelin remains consistently effective at a given dose.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SERMORELIN AND GRF 1-29
Sermorelin is often confused with Modified GRF 1-29, and vice versa. Although similar, these two peptides do have an important difference. Both peptides have a molecular structure comprised of 29 amino acids and possess comparable mechanisms of action (mimicking GHRH to stimulate endogenous GH production). However, Modified GRF 1-29 has been altered with changes to four specific amino acids in its chemical structure, changes intended to increase the peptide’s stability during storage, transportation, and administration while enhancing its affinity for the GHRH receptor.
WHAT IS THE DOSAGE OF SERMORELIN
Amount per administration:
200 to 1000mcg (0.25 to 1mg)
Administration frequency:
1 to 3 times daily
Sermorelin dosages commonly range from 200mcg (0.2mg) to 1000mcg (1mg) . Generally, the peptide is either administered once daily before bed or split into 2 – 3 smaller doses spread throughout the day. Both approaches to administration can be effective and have been shown to elicit positive results in clinical studies.
Although Sermorelin has a relatively short half-life of 10 – 20 minutes, the peptide has been shown to stimulate an acute release of GH for 2 hours after administration. As a result, protocols delivering 3 daily doses of as little as 100mcg (0.1mg) per administration have been shown to cause a significant increase in GH and IGF-1 secretion. This type of protocol will commonly result in a more consistent GH level on a daily basis.
Still, protocols requiring once daily administration prior to bed are also highly effective as well as manifestly more convenient for the individual. Clinical studies have shown administration once daily before bed to induce a substantial increase in 12 hour nocturnal GH production as well as an overall increase in GH and IGF-1 levels. With this type of once-daily protocol, recommended individual dosages are commonly 10mcg (0.1mg) per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. For example, a 180 pound man would require approximately 810mcg (0.81mg) once daily. Further, studies have shown that maximal GH release is typically attained with a dosage of 10mcg/kilogram to a maximum of 20mcg/kilogram per day, with higher doses having diminished effectiveness.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SERMORELIN
Side effects of Sermorelin are generally mild and may include flushing, dizziness, headache, or pain at injection site immediately after administration. These typically clear up quickly and may lessen significantly in severity with continued administration. A more common side effect is sleepiness due to its impact on GH and cortisol levels as well as slow wave sleep (see “What is Sermorelin?” above). As a result, many protocols call for its administration prior to bed so as to mitigate any inconvenience this effect may cause. Importantly, Sermorelin may interact with glucocorticoid medication, so those who require it would be wise to consult their doctor prior to use.
WHY COMBINE IT WITH OTHER PEPTIDES
Higher natural growth hormone levels can be attained with the combination of Ipamorelin with peptides like Mod-GRF or CJC-1295. These GHRH peptides possess complimentary mechanisms of action, affecting different receptors in the pituitary gland than Ipamorelin. As a result, when used in combination, higher growth hormone levels can be achieved. This can result in more performance enhancing effects such as faster muscle tissue growth and repair, better wound healing and recovery, and more rapid fat metabolism (fat loss), as well as even greater anti-aging effects.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF SERMORELIN/IPAMORELIN
- Decreased body fat
- Decreased waistline size
- Faster weight loss
- Increased Lean Muscle
- Improved Athletic Performance
- Improved Muscle Recovery After Workout
- Increased libido & Sexual Performance
- Improved Sleeping At Night
- Increased Immune System
- Increased Cell Repair & Regeneration
- Increased Collagen Production
WHAT IS TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (TRT)?
Testosterone replacement therapy is the supervised usage of testosterone-boosting products that contain testosterone to treat andropause, testosterone deficiency, and male hypogonadism.
It is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that is prescribed to men who suffer from low levels of testosterone, either because the testes do not produce enough testosterone or if the body cannot process it effectively.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRT?
TRT has been a gamechanger for a variety of issues. While men may report different results, the most notable benefits that TRT helps include the following:
- Improvements in energy level
- Boost in mood
- Increase in sex drive and libido
- Higher quality erections
- Increase muscle mass
- Decrease body fat composition
- Better sleep
Currently, the only FDA-approved indication for TRT in males is when they’re treated for clinical hypogonadism. The use of TRT is considered off-label.
WHO CAN DO TRT?
If your testosterone levels are below 300 ng/dL and you have associated symptoms, you may be a candidate for TRT treatment.
A blood test from a medical male clinic may be able to help you determine your testosterone levels.
If you have noticed any of the following symptoms, then there’s a chance that you have low testosterone levels:
- You feel more fatigued than usual.
- You feel more irritable than usual.
- You have erectile dysfunction.
- You experience a decreased mood.
- Your sex drive has decreased.
- Your erections don’t get maintained.
- You have a lower muscle mass.
- Your hair is receding.
TRT PRECAUTIONS
Although the chances of facing these risks are somewhat rare, here are some side effects that may come up when undergoing a TRT:
- Liver problems
- Enlargement of breasts for men
- High blood pressure
- Water retention
- Rashes
- Itching
- Irritation at the injection site
In addition to the list above, if you have a medical history with the following conditions, you may consult a specialist to ask if the following pre-existing conditions may worsen after TRT treatment.
Prostate cancer: Testosterone exacerbates the risk of stimulating prostate cancer growth. If you have an elevated prostate, you should get it treated first before turning to TRT.
Sleep apnea: Sleep disorders like sleep apnea may be worsened after TRT.
Congestive heart failure: If you have heart complications, it’s best to avoid taking TRT treatment as it may interfere with your existing medication.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): BPH is a type of urinary disease where men can have difficulty urinating. This may be made worse following TRT treatment.
HOW IS TRT TAKEN?
The preferred method is by weekly intramuscular injection. This method has better absorption is the medication that allows it to go straight into the blood steam.
Another method is by a topical cream. the topical cream absorption of medication varies.