The Two Hormone Axes Peptides Address
Growth Hormone Axis
GH declines ~14% per decade after age 25. Sermorelin and ipamorelin stimulate the pituitary to restore natural GH pulses — improving body composition, sleep, energy, and recovery.
Key peptides: Sermorelin, Ipamorelin, CJC-1295
HPG Axis (Sex Hormones)
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis governs testosterone, estrogen, LH, and FSH. Kisspeptin stimulates this axis to support natural sex hormone production before or instead of TRT.
Key peptides: Kisspeptin (coming soon), PT-141
Peptides vs. TRT: Who Should Consider Each
Consider peptides first if:
- Testosterone is borderline low (350–450 ng/dL range) but you're not confirmed hypogonadal
- You want to preserve natural hormone production and fertility
- Your primary symptoms relate to GH decline (body composition, sleep, energy) rather than libido or sexual function specifically
- You prefer to avoid lifetime hormone replacement commitment
TRT may be more appropriate if:
- Testosterone is clearly low (<300 ng/dL) with confirmed hypogonadal symptoms
- Primary hypogonadism (testicular failure) rather than signaling failure
- Peptides have been tried and have not adequately addressed symptoms
Labs to Get Before Starting
A physician will typically order the following before recommending a hormone optimization protocol:
Total testosterone
Free testosterone
LH & FSH
IGF-1
SHBG
Estradiol
Thyroid (TSH, T3, T4)
Metabolic panel
CBC
Labs can be completed at any LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics in Tennessee.