By Harveer Parmar, MD – Board-Certified Family Physician & Medical Director, Health Express Clinics, Lewisville, TX
So here’s what I tell patients when they ask about anti-aging peptides:
It depends. (I know, I say that a lot. But medicine isn’t a menu—it’s a conversation.)
Most of the time, someone comes in holding a TikTok clip or a podcast transcript with some longevity guy talking about BPC-157 like it’s stem cells in a syringe. And the first thing I say is: Let’s slow down. What are we actually trying to fix here?
Because “anti-aging” means different things to different people. For some, it’s about wrinkles or skin tone. Others? Sleep, energy, muscle preservation, or cognitive clarity. Sometimes it’s all of the above. And in North Texas—especially in Lewisville—I see a lot of folks who just want to keep up with life, not necessarily reverse time.
So here’s a breakdown of the top 10 peptides I discuss with patients when we’re having the “how do I stay sharp, strong, and sane past 40” talk.
Not hype. Not clickbait. Just real-world clinical impressions—with plenty of caveats and a little honesty about what we don’t know.
1. GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Why it’s interesting: Skin regeneration, wound healing, inflammation modulation. It’s naturally present in plasma and saliva. It declines with age.
What I’ve seen: Less redness post-microneedling, faster recovery, softened age spots.
What to watch for: Stay topical—systemic copper metabolism can get tricky.
2. Epitalon
Why it’s interesting: May increase telomerase activity. Supports circadian rhythm.
My take: Fascinating Russian studies, sparse U.S. data, but solid patient feedback on sleep.
3. BPC-157
Why it’s interesting: Gut healing, tendon repair, inflammation support.
What I see: Great for post-COVID GI issues and soft tissue recovery. Use FDA-compliant 503A compounding pharmacies only.
4. CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
Why it’s interesting: Stimulates growth hormone, supports energy, sleep, and lean mass.
How I use it: Nighttime SubQ injections, monitored with labs every 3 months.
5. Thymosin Alpha-1
Why it’s interesting: Immunomodulation. Approved for hepatitis and cancer adjunct therapy. Used for post-viral fatigue and immune regulation.
Challenge: Limited availability since 2022.
6. Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500)
Why it’s interesting: Supports wound healing and muscle/tendon recovery.
Note: Results vary greatly—some feel nothing, others swear by it.
7. Semaglutide
Why it’s interesting: GLP-1 analog. Supports weight loss, insulin sensitivity, inflammation control.
Takeaway: Losing fat and restoring metabolic function = real anti-aging progress.
8. MOTS-c
Why it’s interesting: A mitochondrial peptide with potential for glucose regulation and stamina support.
My experience: Early clinical use shows some energy benefits. Still exploratory.
9. AOD-9604
Why it’s interesting: Promotes lipolysis without anabolic effect. Best used as part of lifestyle change, not standalone.
10. Selank
Why it’s interesting: Nootropic and anxiolytic peptide. Works on GABA receptors. Supports calm focus without sedation.
“But Doc, how do I know which one is right for me?”
Now that is the right question. It’s not about picking the hottest peptide on the internet. It’s about identifying what system is underperforming:
- Can’t recover from workouts? → CJC/Ipamorelin
- Gut dysfunction and joint pain? → BPC-157
- Sleep disruption, brain fog, immune dips? → Epitalon or Thymosin Alpha-1
- Just want to tighten your jawline? → Try GHK-Cu topically
Teaching Moment: Talking to My PA Student
She asked if peptides are “worth it.” I said:
“They’re not magic. But they’re a new class of tools. Use them when indicated, dose them responsibly, and always follow the patient more than the protocol.”
Final Thought (Or… contradiction?)
I used to think this stuff was fluff. But seeing dozens of patients feel better changed my mind. I monitor closely. I stop peptides when needed. But I’ve seen enough outcomes to keep prescribing—carefully.
FAQs (Based on Real Conversations in My Clinic)
- “How long does it take for anti-aging peptides to work?” – 2 to 12 weeks depending on the peptide.
- “Are peptides safer than hormones?” – Sometimes. But they still need labs and follow-ups.
- “Can I use multiple peptides together?” – Yes, but no more than 2–3 stacked. Always monitor.
- “Will insurance cover peptides?” – Only if FDA-approved for a diagnosis. Otherwise, cash-pay.
- “Are there risks?” – Yes. Includes water retention, blood sugar issues, joint pain, and insomnia.
- “Where do you get yours from?” – Only FDA-registered 503A pharmacies.
Want to learn more or see if anti-aging peptides are right for you?
Schedule a visit at Health Express Clinics in Lewisville. We’ll run labs, talk through goals, and build a realistic peptide protocol—if it makes sense for your case.
And if it doesn’t? I’ll tell you that, too. Promise.