Peptide Protocols
How each peptide is commonly approached: route, dose ranges, timing, cycle length, and the cautions to research first. 23 protocols. Educational only, not medical advice or a recommendation. For educational and research purposes only. Not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a dosing recommendation. Figures are ranges commonly cited in research and community discussion and vary by source. Always research contraindications and interactions independently and consult a qualified professional before acting on anything here.
5-Amino-1MQ
Metabolic · Research / anecdotal
A metabolic compound that inhibits NNMT, discussed for preserving NAD and shifting fat cells toward energy expenditure, in support of body composition and cellular energy.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- 2-5 mg to start; higher amounts for advanced use (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- 1-3 times daily (AM / midday / PM)
- Timing
- No fasting required
- Cycle
- Commonly run 8-16 weeks, then ~4 weeks off
- Reconstitution
- Reconstituted with bacteriostatic water; use the calculator for your per-dose draw.
Research these first: Human evidence is limited / emerging. May affect metabolism and energy; research its fit for your goal. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional.
AOD-9604
Metabolic · Research / anecdotal
A growth-hormone fragment discussed around lipolysis and fat metabolism. Best framed as metabolic research, not a magic fat-loss peptide.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- 300-500 mcg per day (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Timing
- Commonly in the morning before breakfast, fasted
- Cycle
- Commonly run in 12-16 week cycles
- Reconstitution
- Use the calculator to turn your mg + bac water into a microgram draw.
Research these first: Human evidence is limited; framed as lipolysis research rather than a proven fat-loss compound. May affect blood sugar; monitor if relevant. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional.
ARA-290
Inflammation · Healing · Research / anecdotal
A peptide researched for nerve and soft-tissue repair, inflammation, and recovery. Often discussed for injuries involving nerve irritation rather than direct structural tissue repair.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- 1-4 mg per dose (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once daily, or 5 days on / 2 off
- Timing
- No strict timing; no fasting required
- Cycle
- Commonly run 4-12 weeks, then 4-8 weeks off
- Reconstitution
- Reconstituted with PBS; use the calculator to convert mg + solvent into your per-dose draw.
Research these first: Human evidence is limited / emerging. Framed for nerve-related and inflammatory pain rather than structural tissue repair. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional.
BPC-157
Gut · Healing · Inflammation · Research / anecdotal
A synthetic peptide widely discussed for gut-lining support, tendon/ligament recovery, and tissue repair.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection, or oral (oral is often favored for gut-focused goals)
- Common dose
- 250-500 mcg per dose (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Timing
- Often split AM/PM; many discussions place a dose near the injury site for localized goals
- Cycle
- Commonly run 4-6 weeks, then reassess and take a break
- Reconstitution
- Reconstitution varies; use the calculator to convert mg + bac water into a draw.
- Commonly paired with
- TB-500 / Thymosin Beta-4 (recovery)
Research these first: Human evidence is limited and most data is preclinical, so claims often run ahead of proof. Avoid in pregnancy/breastfeeding and with active cancer unless cleared by a professional. Research any interaction with existing medications independently.
Cagrilintide
Metabolic · Research / anecdotal
A long-acting amylin analog discussed around satiety, appetite regulation, and food cravings, helping people feel fuller for longer.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- 0.25-1.5 mg once weekly (start low) (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once weekly
- Timing
- Same day each week; per this protocol, do not research on the same day as a GLP compound
- Cycle
- Titrate the dose up as needed no sooner than every 4 weeks
- Reconstitution
- Use the calculator to convert mg + bac water into your per-dose draw.
Research these first: Start low and increase slowly; can cause nausea and GI effects like the GLP compounds it is often discussed alongside. Per this protocol, do not research on the same day as a GLP compound. May affect blood sugar and appetite; monitor if relevant. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional.
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
Hormone · Research / anecdotal
A commonly paired GHRH analog plus GH secretagogue, discussed together for growth-hormone support, recovery, and sleep.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- Commonly ~100 mcg of each per dose (community ranges run 100-300 mcg) (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once before bed is common; some discussions use 1-3x/day
- Timing
- On an empty stomach (food, especially carbs/fats, blunts the GH pulse); before bed aligns with natural GH release
- Cycle
- Often 8-12 weeks with breaks; many cycle 5 days on / 2 off
- Reconstitution
- Often dosed in the 100-300 mcg range, so reconstitute for an easy draw and use the calculator.
Research these first: Raises GH/IGF-1 signaling: avoid with active or prior cancer unless cleared by a professional. Can affect insulin sensitivity, blood sugar, and water retention. Not for pregnancy/breastfeeding or under-18s. CJC-1295 'with DAC' behaves very differently from 'no DAC' (modified GRF 1-29); know which you have.
Epitalon
Advanced · Research / anecdotal
A peptide discussed for healthy aging, sleep quality, and cellular renewal.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- Community ranges commonly cite ~5-10 mg/day during a short course (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once daily during a course
- Timing
- Some prefer evening; no strict requirement
- Cycle
- Often run as short courses (e.g. 10-20 days) once or twice a year rather than continuously
- Reconstitution
- Use the calculator for your per-dose draw.
Research these first: Longevity claims are largely from limited studies and animal data. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional. An advanced compound; not a beginner's first peptide.
GHK-Cu
Healing · Gut · Inflammation · Research / anecdotal
A copper peptide researched for skin, collagen, and tissue-repair support.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection; also used topically (serums) for skin only
- Common dose
- Injectable discussions cite ~1-2 mg/day. Topical: a copper-peptide serum at label strength. (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Injectable discussions cite daily use; topical once or twice daily
- Timing
- Injectable has no strict timing; topical to clean skin
- Cycle
- Commonly 8-12 weeks, then a break
- Reconstitution
- For injectable use, reconstitute and use the calculator for the draw. Topical needs no recon.
Research these first: Copper can accumulate; people with copper-handling conditions (e.g. Wilson's disease) should avoid. Patch-test topicals for irritation. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional.
Ipamorelin
Hormone · Research / anecdotal
A selective GH secretagogue discussed for a clean GH pulse with little effect on cortisol or appetite.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- 100-300 mcg per dose (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once to three times daily in community discussion; before bed is common
- Timing
- Empty stomach; before bed and/or post-workout are common windows
- Cycle
- Commonly 8-12 weeks with breaks
- Reconstitution
- Use the calculator to turn your mg + bac water into a microgram draw.
- Commonly paired with
- CJC-1295, Sermorelin, or Tesamorelin (GHRH pairing)
Research these first: GH secretagogue: avoid with active/prior cancer unless cleared by a professional. May affect blood sugar and water retention. Not for pregnancy/breastfeeding or under-18s.
KPV
Inflammation · Gut · Research / anecdotal
A short peptide discussed for inflammatory signaling, gut-lining support, skin irritation, and immune-calming pathways.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- 0.5-1 mg per dose (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Timing
- No strict timing
- Cycle
- Commonly 5 days on / 2 off, or daily; does not necessarily need cycling
- Reconstitution
- Use the calculator to convert mg + bac water into your per-dose draw.
Research these first: Human evidence is limited / emerging. Sits at the overlap of immune, gut, and skin conversations; research its fit for your goal. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional.
LL-37
Immune · Gut · Research / anecdotal
An antimicrobial peptide discussed for immune defense, inflammation, pathogen response, and wound healing.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- 125 mcg per dose (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Commonly once daily during an on-block
- Timing
- No strict timing
- Cycle
- A common pattern is ~1-4 weeks on, a 2-week washout, then resume, cycling off around 7-10 weeks total
- Reconstitution
- Dosed in small microgram amounts; use the calculator for your per-dose draw.
Research these first: Antimicrobial and immune activity can cut both ways; human evidence is limited. Those with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions should research it carefully and clear it with a professional first. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional.
MOTS-c
Mitochondrial · Research / anecdotal
A mitochondrial-derived peptide discussed for metabolic homeostasis, AMPK signaling, and energy.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- Community ranges commonly cite ~5-10 mg per week (sometimes split), or a lower daily dose of 1-2 mg (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Dependent on dose: higher dose 1-2x per week; lower daily dose 5 days on / 2 off
- Timing
- Some pair dosing with training days for the metabolic/exercise angle
- Cycle
- Often run in blocks (e.g. 4-8 weeks) with breaks
- Reconstitution
- Use the calculator for your per-dose draw.
Research these first: Human evidence is limited / emerging. May affect blood sugar; monitor if relevant. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional.
NAD+
Mitochondrial · Neuro · Research / anecdotal
A naturally occurring coenzyme (not a peptide) involved in energy production, brain function, and healthy aging at the cellular level.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- 25 mg starting, working up to 200 mg (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Two to three times per week
- Timing
- Inject slowly; NAD+ is known for flushing and discomfort if pushed too fast
- Cycle
- Commonly run up to ~12 weeks
- Reconstitution
- Use the calculator for your per-dose draw.
Research these first: Not a peptide but a coenzyme; start low and inject slowly to reduce flushing, nausea, and chest tightness. Human evidence for injectable use is limited / emerging. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional.
PT-141 / Bremelanotide
Sexual Health · Clinical discussion (approved product exists)
A melanocortin agonist discussed for libido and arousal through central signaling rather than hormones.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection (the FDA-approved product is a fixed-dose auto-injector)
- Common dose
- Community ranges cite ~0.5-2 mg as needed; the approved bremelanotide product is 1.75 mg (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- As needed, taken ahead of activity rather than daily
- Timing
- Often dosed 45 min to a few hours before; effects build over time
- Cycle
- Situational use, not a daily cycle; spacing doses is commonly advised
- Reconstitution
- Use the calculator for your per-dose draw.
Research these first: Commonly causes nausea, flushing, and headache; can transiently raise blood pressure. Avoid with uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease unless cleared by a professional. Not the same as Melanotan II; do not confuse the two. Not for pregnancy/breastfeeding.
Selank
Neuro · Research / anecdotal
A peptide discussed for calm mood, stress resilience, and clarity without sedation.
- Route
- Intranasal (nasal spray or drops) is most common; also injectable
- Common dose
- Intranasal: ~300-900 mcg/day. Subcutaneous: 250-500 mcg once daily, or split twice daily. N-acetyl Selank uses less. (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Timing
- Flexible; some use it situationally before stress
- Cycle
- Often used situationally or in shorter blocks
- Reconstitution
- For intranasal use, the nasal calculator converts your mix into a per-spray dose.
- Commonly paired with
- Semax (calm/focus pairing)
Research these first: Evidence is largely from limited studies. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional. Standard Selank and N-acetyl Selank differ in strength; know which you have.
Semax
Neuro · Research / anecdotal
A nootropic peptide discussed for focus, memory, and mental clarity.
- Route
- Intranasal (nasal spray or drops) is most common; also injectable
- Common dose
- Intranasal: ~300-600 mcg/day. Subcutaneous: 300-750 mcg once daily. Higher-strength forms (N-acetyl Semax) use less. (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Timing
- Daytime (it is alerting); avoid late dosing if it affects sleep
- Cycle
- Often used in shorter blocks (e.g. a few weeks) rather than continuously
- Reconstitution
- For intranasal use, the nasal calculator converts your mix into a per-spray dose.
- Commonly paired with
- Selank (calm/focus pairing)
Research these first: Generally well-tolerated in discussion, but evidence is largely from limited studies. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional. Standard Semax and N-acetyl Semax differ in strength; know which you have.
Sermorelin
Hormone · Clinical discussion
A GHRH analog discussed for supporting the body's own GH release, recovery, and sleep.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- ~100-300 mcg per dose (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once daily, commonly before bed
- Timing
- Empty stomach, before bed to align with natural GH release
- Cycle
- Often 12+ weeks with breaks
- Reconstitution
- Use the calculator for your draw.
- Commonly paired with
- Ipamorelin (GH secretagogue pairing)
Research these first: GHRH analog: avoid with active/prior cancer unless cleared by a professional. May affect blood sugar and water retention. Not for pregnancy/breastfeeding or under-18s.
SS-31 / Elamipretide
Mitochondrial · Research / anecdotal
A mitochondrial peptide discussed around oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane function, and cellular energy support.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- 1-5 mg per day (start low and titrate up) (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Timing
- No strict timing; start at the low end and increase gradually
- Cycle
- Commonly run around 8 weeks, either daily or 5 days on / 2 off
- Reconstitution
- Use the calculator for your per-dose draw.
Research these first: Human evidence is limited / emerging; an advanced compound rather than a beginner's first peptide. Start low and titrate up to gauge tolerance. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional.
TB-500 / Thymosin Beta-4
Healing · Research / anecdotal
A thymosin beta-4 related peptide discussed for cellular migration, tissue repair, and recovery.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- 2-2.5 mg per dose (loading phase), lower for maintenance (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Around twice weekly during a loading phase, then less often for maintenance
- Timing
- No strict timing; dose is systemic rather than site-specific
- Cycle
- Commonly a 4-6 week loading block, then a maintenance dose or a break
- Reconstitution
- Often reconstituted to a few mg/mL; use the calculator for your exact draw.
- Commonly paired with
- BPC-157 (recovery)
Research these first: Mostly preclinical evidence in humans. Avoid with active cancer, pregnancy, or breastfeeding unless cleared by a professional. Frequently paired with BPC-157, which compounds the unknowns of combining two research peptides.
Tesamorelin
Hormone · Clinical discussion
A GHRH analog with the most clinical backing of the GH-releasing peptides, studied for visceral fat and body composition.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- ~1-2 mg per day (the studied clinical dose is around 2 mg) (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Timing
- Often in the evening / before bed on an empty stomach
- Cycle
- Studied in clinical trials out to 26 months; community use often in blocks of 12+ weeks with monitoring
- Reconstitution
- Use the calculator for your per-dose draw.
Research these first: Raises IGF-1: avoid with active or prior cancer unless cleared by a professional. Can affect glucose tolerance; monitor blood sugar. Not for pregnancy/breastfeeding. Of the GH peptides this has the strongest clinical data, but it is still prescription-grade in clinical use.
Thymosin Alpha-1
Immune · Clinical discussion
A thymic peptide discussed for immune modulation, T-cell signaling, and immune balance, with more clinical discussion behind it than most research-only peptides.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- 1.5 mg twice weekly, or 3 mg once weekly (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- One to two times per week
- Timing
- No strict timing; keep the split consistent across the week
- Cycle
- Commonly run in 4-12 week cycles
- Reconstitution
- Use the calculator to convert mg + bac water into your per-dose draw.
Research these first: An immune modulator: those with autoimmune conditions or on immunosuppressants should research interactions and clear it with a professional first. Has more clinical discussion than many research peptides, but context and quality still matter. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional.
VIP
Immune · Gut · Inflammation · Research / anecdotal
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, discussed for airway and breathing support, calming inflammation, immune regulation, and gut-lung-immune communication.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- 5-20 mcg per dose (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- One to three times daily
- Timing
- No strict timing
- Cycle
- Often run 12 weeks on / 4 weeks off
- Reconstitution
- Dosed in very small microgram amounts, so reconstitute with extra bac water for an easier, more accurate draw, then use the calculator.
Research these first: VIP is vasoactive and can affect blood pressure; those with cardiovascular or blood-pressure concerns should clear it with a professional first. Often used under practitioner guidance (e.g. CIRS contexts); human evidence outside those settings is limited. Pregnancy/breastfeeding: avoid unless cleared by a professional.
Wolverine
Healing · Gut · Research / anecdotal
A BPC-157 + TB-500 blend discussed for recovery, tendon and ligament support, and gut and vascular repair, hitting both local and systemic tissue healing.
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Common dose
- Dosed as a blend; community ranges cite roughly 5-20 units daily depending on the mix (Commonly cited range, not a recommendation.)
- Frequency
- Once daily, commonly 5 days on / 2 off
- Timing
- No strict timing; no fasting required
- Cycle
- Commonly run 4-8 weeks, then a 4-8 week break
- Reconstitution
- Reconstituted with bacteriostatic water; the two components clear at different rates (BPC short, TB days). Use the calculator for your draw.
- Commonly paired with
- BPC-157 (recovery); TB-500 / Thymosin Beta-4 (recovery)
Research these first: Combines two research peptides, compounding the unknowns of each. Mostly preclinical human evidence. Avoid with active cancer, pregnancy, or breastfeeding unless cleared by a professional.