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Glossary

Plain-language definitions for the terms you'll encounter in peptide therapy.

Peptide

A short chain of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. In medicine, peptides are used as targeted signaling molecules.

Amino Acid

An organic compound that combines with others to form proteins and peptides. There are 20 standard amino acids in human biology.

Subcutaneous Injection

An injection delivered into the layer just below the skin. The most common route for peptide therapies.

Compounding Pharmacy

A licensed pharmacy that prepares medications tailored to a provider's prescription. Our clinic operates as a compounding pharmacy in-house.

Bioidentical

A compound chemically identical to one naturally produced in the body.

GLP-1

Glucagon-like peptide-1. A hormone involved in blood-sugar control and appetite regulation; the basis of several modern weight-management therapies.

Growth Hormone Secretagogue

A class of compounds that stimulate the body's own growth-hormone production, rather than supplying growth hormone directly.

Half-life

The time it takes for the body to clear half of a given dose. Determines how often a peptide is dosed.

Stack

A combination of two or more peptides used together for synergistic effect, designed by a provider.

Titration

Gradually increasing a dose over time so the body adjusts and side effects stay manageable.

Off-label

Use of an approved medication for a condition other than the one it was originally approved for. Many peptide protocols are off-label and require provider oversight.

Reconstitution

Mixing a lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder with bacteriostatic water to prepare it for injection.

Bacteriostatic Water

Sterile water containing a small preservative (typically benzyl alcohol) that allows multi-dose use of reconstituted peptides.

Cold-chain

Temperature-controlled shipping that keeps medication within a required range from pharmacy to patient.