Before diving into specific compounds, here's what you need to know about how peptides work, what the key terms mean, and how to read the reference cards in this guide.

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the same building blocks that make up proteins. While proteins can be hundreds or thousands of amino acids long, peptides are typically 2 to 50. Because of their smaller size, peptides can act as precise signaling molecules in the body, triggering specific biological responses.

Think of them as keys that fit specific locks. Each peptide has a unique shape that lets it interact with particular receptors, telling your body to do something specific — release growth hormone, accelerate healing, suppress appetite, or boost collagen production.

How do peptides work?

Most peptides work by mimicking natural signaling molecules your body already produces. When you inject a peptide like BPC-157, you're introducing a synthetic version of a compound your stomach naturally makes — just in higher concentrations directed to where you need it.

The key concept is receptor binding. A peptide enters your bloodstream, finds its target receptor, and triggers a cascade of effects. How long those effects last depends on the peptide's half-life — how quickly your body breaks it down. Some peptides (like semaglutide) last a week. Others (like BPC-157) are broken down in 30 minutes.

This is why dosing frequency matters so much. A peptide with a 30-minute half-life needs daily dosing. A peptide with a 7-day half-life only needs weekly injections.

Key Terms

Half-Life

The time it takes for half the peptide to be cleared from your body. A 2-hour half-life means after 2 hours, 50% remains. After 4 hours, 25%. After 6 hours, 12.5%. This determines how often you need to dose.

Saturation

The percentage of maximum possible blood concentration you've achieved through repeated dosing. At 100% saturation, each dose maintains your levels rather than building them higher.

Steady State

When the amount of peptide entering your body equals the amount being cleared. Typically reached after 4-5 half-lives of consistent dosing. This is when you're getting the compound's full effect.

Bioavailability

The percentage of the dose that actually reaches your bloodstream. Subcutaneous injection is typically 70-90%. Oral bioavailability for most peptides is very low, which is why injection is preferred.

Reconstitution

The process of mixing lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder with bacteriostatic water (BAC water) to create an injectable solution. Most peptides ship as powder and must be reconstituted before use.

SubQ vs IM

SubQ (subcutaneous) = injected into fat tissue, typically abdomen or thigh. IM (intramuscular) = injected into muscle. Most peptides use SubQ. IM gives faster absorption but isn't necessary for most compounds.

Loading Phase

An initial period of higher or more frequent dosing to build up levels faster. Common with healing peptides like TB-500. Not all peptides require a loading phase.

Titration

Gradually increasing your dose over time. Essential for GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) to minimize side effects. Start low, increase every 4 weeks.

How to Read a Compound Card

Name + Badge The compound name and its category (color-coded). The category tells you what the compound is primarily used for.

Description A plain-English explanation of what the compound does and why people use it. No jargon.

Dose Range The commonly used dosage range. Most compounds have a wide range — start at the low end.

Route How the compound is administered. SubQ (subcutaneous), IM (intramuscular), nasal, or oral.

Frequency How often you take it. Driven by half-life — shorter half-life = more frequent dosing.

Half-Life How long the compound stays active. Determines dosing frequency and time to steady state.

Cycle How long to run the compound before taking a break (if needed). Some are ongoing, others need cycling.

What to Expect A rough timeline of when you'll typically start noticing effects. Individual results vary.

Stacks With Complementary compounds that are commonly used alongside this one.

Key Note The most important practical tip for this specific compound. Read this before your first dose.

Section 02

Getting Started

Everything you need to prepare, reconstitute, store, and administer peptides safely. Read this section before your first dose.

What You Need

💉

Insulin Syringes

U-100, 29-31 gauge, 1mL. Single use only.

💧

Bacteriostatic Water

BAC water for reconstitution. Not sterile water.

🧴

Alcohol Swabs

70% isopropyl. Clean vial tops + injection site.

🗑️

Sharps Container

For safe needle disposal. Never reuse syringes.

Reconstitution — Step by Step

Gather supplies

Peptide vial, BAC water, insulin syringe, alcohol swabs. Work on a clean surface.

Clean vial tops

Wipe the rubber stoppers on both vials (peptide and BAC water) with alcohol swabs. Let dry.

Draw BAC water

Pull your desired amount into the syringe. Common amounts: 1 mL or 2 mL. More water = lower concentration = easier to measure small doses.

Add to peptide vial

Inject slowly against the glass wall — never directly onto the powder. Let it dissolve on its own. Don't shake. Gentle swirling is fine.

Calculate your dose

Concentration = Peptide (mg) ÷ Water (mL). Units to draw = Desired dose ÷ Concentration × 100. See the calculation table below.

Store correctly

Refrigerate at 2-8°C immediately after reconstitution. Use within 30 days. Never freeze reconstituted peptides.

Important: Always use bacteriostatic water, not sterile water. BAC water contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol which prevents bacterial growth, giving your reconstituted peptide a 30-day shelf life. Sterile water has no preservative — vials mixed with it should be used within 24-48 hours.

Common Calculations

U-100 insulin syringe: 1 mL = 100 units.

Vial Size	BAC Water	Concentration	Dose	Units to Draw
5 mg	2 mL	2.5 mg/mL	250 mcg	10 units (0.10 mL)
5 mg	2 mL	2.5 mg/mL	500 mcg	20 units (0.20 mL)
5 mg	1 mL	5 mg/mL	250 mcg	5 units (0.05 mL)
10 mg	2 mL	5 mg/mL	1 mg	20 units (0.20 mL)
10 mg	2 mL	5 mg/mL	2 mg	40 units (0.40 mL)
10 mg	3 mL	3.33 mg/mL	500 mcg	15 units (0.15 mL)
2 mg	1 mL	2 mg/mL	250 mcg	12.5 units (0.125 mL)
2 mg	2 mL	1 mg/mL	250 mcg	25 units (0.25 mL)

Interactive Calculator: Skip the math — use the free reconstitution calculator to calculate units instantly. Also available for semaglutide, tirzepatide, BPC-157, and retatrutide with titration presets.

Storage Rules

Powder (Unreconstituted)

Room temp or fridge

Lyophilized powder is stable at room temperature. Freezer for long-term storage. Most peptides ship unrefrigerated.

Mixed (Reconstituted)

Refrigerate 2-8°C

Must be refrigerated immediately. Use within 30 days. Never freeze reconstituted solution. Keep away from light.

BAC Water

Room temperature

Store at room temp. Don't freeze. Discard approximately 28 days after first puncture. Keep sealed when not in use.

Injection Basics

Subcutaneous (SubQ)

Most common for peptides

Inject into fat tissue at a 45° angle. Common sites:

Abdomen (2 inches from navel)
Upper thigh (outer)
Back of upper arm

Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation. Use 29-31 gauge needles. Pinch skin, insert at 45°, inject slowly, hold 5 seconds before removing.

Intramuscular (IM)

Less common — some peptides only

Inject directly into muscle at a 90° angle. Common sites:

Deltoid (upper arm)
Vastus lateralis (outer thigh)
Gluteus (upper outer buttock)

Faster absorption than SubQ. Used primarily for NAD+ IV alternatives and some growth hormone compounds. Larger gauge needles (25-27g) typically needed.

Needle gauge: Higher number = thinner needle. A 31-gauge insulin syringe is thinner than a 29-gauge. For SubQ peptide injections, 29-31 gauge is standard. Thinner needles hurt less but draw liquid more slowly.

Section 03

Compound Reference

Detailed profiles for 20 peptides across 8 categories. Each card includes dosing protocols, timelines, stacking suggestions, and practical notes.

Weight Loss

Retatrutide Weight Loss

Triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. The most potent weight loss peptide in clinical trials — Phase 2 data showed up to 24% body weight reduction.

Dose

1-12 mg/week

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

Once weekly

Half-Life

~6 days

Cycle

Ongoing (titrate)

Steady State

~4-5 weeks

What to Expect

Appetite suppression within days. Noticeable weight loss by week 4-6. GI adjustment period in first 2-3 weeks. Full effect ramps with titration over 3-6 months.

Stacks Well With

Typically run solo. Can complement BPC-157 for gut support during titration.

Slow titration is critical — start at 1 mg/week, increase by 2 mg every 4 weeks. Jumping to high doses causes severe GI side effects. Inject on the same day each week.

View full profile & calculator →

Semaglutide Weight Loss

GLP-1 receptor agonist — the original "Ozempic" compound. Suppresses appetite, slows gastric emptying, and improves insulin sensitivity. The most widely used weight loss peptide globally.

Dose

0.25-2.4 mg/week

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

Once weekly

Half-Life

~7 days

Cycle

Ongoing

Steady State

~5 weeks

What to Expect

Reduced appetite within 1-2 weeks. Weight loss visible by week 4-8. Nausea common during titration — typically resolves. Full dose reached over 4-5 months.

Stacks Well With

AOD-9604 for enhanced fat metabolism. BPC-157 for GI support. Generally run as primary compound.

Nausea is worst during titration. Eat slowly, smaller meals. Don't skip the titration schedule — going straight to high doses makes side effects significantly worse. Weight regain common if stopped without lifestyle changes.

View full profile & calculator →

Tirzepatide Weight Loss

Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist (Mounjaro/Zepbound). Newer than semaglutide with potentially stronger weight loss and fewer GI side effects. The dual mechanism may offer metabolic advantages.

Dose

2.5-15 mg/week

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

Once weekly

Half-Life

~5 days

Cycle

Ongoing

Steady State

~4 weeks

What to Expect

Similar timeline to semaglutide. Appetite suppression within 1-2 weeks. Some users report less nausea compared to semaglutide. Titration schedule spans 5+ months.

Stacks Well With

Generally run solo. Not recommended to combine with semaglutide (same receptor class).

Similar titration protocol to semaglutide — start at 2.5 mg, increase every 4 weeks. Inject on the same day each week. Some users report less nausea vs semaglutide.

View full profile & calculator →

AOD-9604 Fat Loss

A modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 177-191). Targets fat metabolism specifically without the broader effects of full GH. Stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis.

Dose

300-500 mcg/day

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

Once daily (fasted)

Half-Life

~30 minutes

Cycle

8-12 weeks on, 2-4 off

Steady State

~3-4 hours

What to Expect

Subtle fat metabolism changes over 4-8 weeks. Not as dramatic as GLP-1 agonists — works best with diet and exercise. Best used as part of a broader protocol.

Stacks Well With

Semaglutide or tirzepatide. CJC-1295/Ipamorelin for synergistic fat loss. Often used alongside GLP-1 compounds.

Must inject fasted for fat oxidation — 30-60 minutes before food. Abdomen injection preferred. Often stacked with GLP-1 peptides for combined effect. Start at 300 mcg, increase to 500 mcg after 4 weeks.

Healing & Recovery

BPC-157 Healing

Body Protection Compound — the most popular healing peptide. Derived from a protein found in stomach acid. Accelerates healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, gut lining, and joints. Works through angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and growth factor modulation.

Dose

250-500 mcg/day

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

Once or twice daily

Half-Life

~30 minutes

Cycle

4-8 weeks

Steady State

~3-4 hours

What to Expect

Reduced pain/inflammation within 1-2 weeks. Noticeable healing improvement by week 3-4. Some report gut improvement within days. Full protocol is typically 4-8 weeks.

Stacks Well With

TB-500 (the classic healing stack). GHK-Cu for tissue repair. Can support GLP-1 protocols for gut health during titration.

Inject as close to the injury site as practical for local healing. Can split dose AM/PM. One of the most well-tolerated peptides — very stable. Commonly used 250 mcg for general healing, 500 mcg for acute injuries.

View full profile & calculator →

TB-500 Healing

Thymosin Beta-4 fragment. Works systemically throughout the body — unlike BPC-157's more localized action. Promotes cell migration, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue repair. Often stacked with BPC-157 for comprehensive healing.

Dose

750 mcg - 2.5 mg/day

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

Daily (loading) → 2-3x/week

Half-Life

~2 hours

Cycle

4-6 weeks loading, then maint.

Steady State

~12 hours

What to Expect

Reduced inflammation within 1-2 weeks. Improved flexibility and reduced stiffness by week 2-3. Loading phase builds systemic levels. Maintenance sustains benefits.

Stacks Well With

BPC-157 (the "Wolverine Stack" — complementary mechanisms). GHK-Cu for tissue regeneration.

Works systemically — injection site doesn't matter (unlike BPC-157). Common loading protocol: 2-2.5 mg/day for 4-6 weeks, then 250-500 mcg 2-3x/week for maintenance.

View full profile →

Growth Hormone

CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Growth Hormone

GHRH + GHRP combo — the standard GH secretagogue stack. CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) stimulates GH release while Ipamorelin (GHRP) amplifies the signal. Together they produce a stronger GH pulse than either alone, without shutting down natural production.

Dose

100 mcg each/injection

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

1-3x daily

Half-Life

CJC ~30 min / Ipa ~2 hrs

Cycle

8-12 weeks on, 4 off

Steady State

~12 hours

What to Expect

Improved sleep quality within 1-2 weeks (the first noticeable effect). Better recovery by week 3-4. Fat loss and body composition changes over 8-12 weeks. Skin/hair improvements after 3+ months.

Stacks Well With

BPC-157 + TB-500 for healing. AOD-9604 for fat loss synergy. Works well in most multi-compound protocols.

Empty stomach required — fast 2 hours before injection. Pre-bed dose syncs with natural GH pulse (most important timing). If dosing 3x daily: morning, pre-workout, and pre-bed.

View full profile →

Tesamorelin Growth Hormone

GHRH analog (FDA-approved as Egrifta). Stimulates natural GH release from the pituitary. Particularly effective for reducing visceral fat. One of the few FDA-approved peptides.

Dose

2 mg/day

Route

Subcutaneous (abdomen)

Frequency

Once daily

Half-Life

~26 minutes

Cycle

Ongoing or 8-12 weeks

Steady State

~3-4 hours

What to Expect

Improved sleep and recovery within 1-2 weeks. Visceral fat reduction measurable by week 8-12. IGF-1 levels increase within 2-4 weeks.

Stacks Well With

Ipamorelin for enhanced GH pulse. Not recommended with other GHRH compounds on the same day.

FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy — one of the few peptides with regulatory backing. Standard dose is 2 mg/day (FDA dosing). Don't combine with other GHRH analogs on the same day.

GHRP-6 Growth Hormone

Growth hormone releasing peptide — a strong GH secretagogue that also significantly stimulates appetite via ghrelin receptor activation. One of the original GH peptides.

Dose

100 mcg/injection

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

2-3x daily

Half-Life

~30 minutes

Cycle

8-12 weeks on, 4 off

Steady State

~3-4 hours

What to Expect

Extreme hunger within 20 minutes of injection. Improved sleep within 1 week. Recovery and body composition changes over 8-12 weeks.

Stacks Well With

CJC-1295 (GHRH + GHRP synergy). Useful during bulking phases where increased appetite is beneficial.

Massive appetite increase — useful for bulking, problematic if cutting. Empty stomach required. Space doses 6-8 hours apart. Morning, pre-workout, and bedtime is a common schedule.

Hexarelin Growth Hormone

The most potent GHRP — produces the strongest single-dose GH release of any peptide in this class. Also has cardiac-protective properties. Desensitizes faster than other GHRPs, requiring shorter cycles.

Dose

100-300 mcg/day

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

2-3x daily

Half-Life

~70 minutes

Cycle

4-8 weeks (shorter than other GHRPs)

Steady State

~6-8 hours

What to Expect

Strong GH pulse felt as tingling/flushing within minutes. Sleep improvements within 1 week. Body composition changes over 4-8 weeks before desensitization.

Stacks Well With

CJC-1295 for enhanced GH release. Rotate with Ipamorelin or GHRP-6 after cycle to avoid desensitization.

Desensitizes faster than GHRP-6 or Ipamorelin — keep cycles at 4-8 weeks max. Strongest cortisol/prolactin response of any GHRP. Start at 100 mcg, increase to 200-300 mcg in 2-3 divided doses.

Skin & Anti-Aging

GHK-Cu Skin / Anti-Aging

Copper tripeptide — a naturally occurring peptide that declines with age. Stimulates collagen synthesis, improves skin elasticity, promotes wound healing, and has anti-inflammatory properties. One of the most researched anti-aging peptides.

Dose

1-2 mg/day

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

Once daily, 5 on / 2 off

Half-Life

~4 hours

Cycle

8-12 weeks on, 2-4 off

Steady State

~24 hours

What to Expect

Improved skin texture/glow by week 3-4. Hair quality improvements by week 6-8. Wound healing acceleration within 1-2 weeks. Full collagen remodeling takes 8-12 weeks.

Stacks Well With

BPC-157 + TB-500 for comprehensive healing and anti-aging ("The GLOW Blend"). NAD+ for longevity synergy.

Rotate injection sites to avoid localized skin changes. Store reconstituted vial in fridge, use within 30 days. Start at 1 mg, increase to 2 mg by week 5-8. The 5-on/2-off schedule prevents receptor downregulation.

View full profile →

Cognitive

Semax Cognitive

Nootropic peptide originally developed in Russia. Boosts BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), enhancing focus, memory, and mental clarity. One of the most popular cognitive peptides with decades of clinical use in Russia.

Dose

300-600 mcg/day

Route

Nasal spray

Frequency

2-3x daily

Half-Life

~5 minutes (rapid CNS action)

Cycle

10-14 days on, 7 days off

Steady State

Immediate (acute effects)

What to Expect

Cognitive clarity felt within minutes of nasal administration. Focus enhancement noticeable same-day. BDNF-mediated neuroplasticity benefits build over the 10-14 day cycle.

Stacks Well With

Selank (focus + calm — complementary mechanisms). NAD+ for overall cognitive support. The "Cognitive Stack."

Effects felt within minutes. Cycle on/off to prevent tolerance. Best timing: morning + early afternoon — avoid late PM as it can interfere with sleep. Advanced users go up to 900 mcg/day.

Selank Cognitive

Anxiolytic nootropic — the "calm focus" peptide. Modulates GABA receptors for stress reduction without sedation or drowsiness. Often paired with Semax for a balanced cognitive stack: Semax for drive, Selank for calm.

Dose

300-900 mcg/day

Route

Nasal spray

Frequency

2-3x daily

Half-Life

~2 minutes (rapid CNS action)

Cycle

2 weeks on, 1 week off

Steady State

Immediate (acute effects)

What to Expect

Calm focus within minutes. Anxiety reduction noticeable same-day. No drowsiness or sedation — clear-headed calm. Best effects build over 1-2 weeks of consistent use.

Stacks Well With

Semax (the "Cognitive Stack" — focus + calm). Can complement any protocol where stress management is needed.

Calming without drowsiness — can be used any time of day. Cycle to avoid GABA desensitization. Stacks exceptionally well with Semax (focus + calm). 200-300 mcg per dose, 2-3x daily.

Tanning & Sexual Health

Melanotan-2 Tanning

Melanocortin agonist that stimulates melanin production for skin tanning without UV exposure. Also affects appetite (suppression) and libido (increase). Popular for achieving a tan with minimal sun exposure.

Dose

250-500 mcg/day (loading)

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

Daily (loading) → 1-2x/week

Half-Life

~1 hour

Cycle

2-3 week load → ongoing maint.

Steady State

~6-8 hours

What to Expect

Facial flushing after first doses. Tanning effect visible within 1-2 weeks of loading. Freckles/moles may darken. Nausea common at first — starts to subside after a few doses.

Stacks Well With

Typically run solo. Some UV exposure still helps activate melanin — but far less than tanning without MT2.

Nausea very common at first — start low (100-250 mcg) to assess tolerance. Some UV exposure still helps. Can cause mole darkening — monitor existing moles. Loading: daily for 2-3 weeks. Maintenance: 1-2x per week.

PT-141 Sexual Health

Bremelanotide — FDA-approved as Vyleesi. Melanocortin agonist that works on the central nervous system to enhance sexual function. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, it works through the brain rather than blood flow.

Dose

500 mcg - 2 mg

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

As needed

Half-Life

~2.5 hours

Cycle

As needed (max 1/day, 8/month)

Steady State

N/A (acute use)

What to Expect

Effects begin 45-60 minutes after injection and can last 6-12 hours. Some experience facial flushing and mild nausea. Effects are dose-dependent.

Stacks Well With

Generally used alone. Do not combine with Melanotan-2 (overlapping melanocortin activity).

Not for daily use — as-needed only. Inject 45-60 minutes before activity. Nausea common at higher doses — start at 500 mcg. Max 1 dose per 24 hours, max 8 per month. Don't combine with Melanotan-2.

View full profile →

Muscle Growth

Follistatin-344 Muscle Growth

Myostatin inhibitor — blocks the protein that limits muscle growth. The "muscle growth hack" peptide that went viral in bodybuilding communities. Works by binding and neutralizing myostatin and activin A.

Dose

100-200 mcg/day

Route

SubQ or IM

Frequency

Daily (loading) → 2-3x/week

Half-Life

~2-3 hours

Cycle

10-30 days (short cycles)

Steady State

~12-16 hours

What to Expect

Increased muscle fullness within 1-2 weeks. Strength gains may be noticeable by week 2-3. Short cycles due to cost and limited human data. Best effects with consistent training.

Stacks Well With

GH secretagogues (CJC/Ipa). Do not stack with IGF-1 LR3 (conflicting pathways).

Expensive — short cycles are standard. Don't stack with IGF-1 LR3 (conflicting pathways). Very limited human data. Some users do 200 mcg loading in week 1, then 100 mcg maintenance.

IGF-1 LR3 Muscle Growth

Long-acting insulin-like growth factor — promotes muscle cell hyperplasia (new cells), not just hypertrophy (bigger cells). The extended half-life variant (LR3) is ~2x more potent than regular IGF-1.

Dose

20-50 mcg/day

Route

SubQ or IM

Frequency

Once daily (post-workout)

Half-Life

~20-30 hours

Cycle

4-6 weeks on, 4 off

Steady State

~4-5 days

What to Expect

Enhanced recovery and pump within 1 week. Muscle fullness by week 2-3. Hyperplasia effects (new muscle cells) are theoretical and would take months. Strength gains within the cycle.

Stacks Well With

GH secretagogues (CJC/Ipa). Do not stack with Follistatin-344. Works well in bulking protocols.

Can cause hypoglycemia — eat carbs after injection. Keep cycles short (4-6 weeks). Post-workout timing preferred. Start at 20 mcg, increase to 40-50 mcg. Extended half-life vs regular IGF-1 means once-daily dosing is sufficient.

Longevity & Wellness

NAD+ Longevity

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — an essential coenzyme for cellular energy production. NAD+ levels decline with age. Supplementation supports DNA repair, mitochondrial function, and sirtuin activation. The flagship longevity/biohacking compound.

Dose

SubQ: 50-200 mg/day

Route

SubQ (home) or IV (clinic)

Frequency

SubQ: daily or EOD

Half-Life

~45 minutes

Cycle

Ongoing or 4-8 week cycles

Steady State

~4-5 hours

What to Expect

Increased energy and mental clarity within 1-2 weeks. Sleep quality improvements. Long-term benefits (DNA repair, anti-aging) are cumulative and not immediately felt. IV sessions provide immediate energy boost.

Stacks Well With

Glutathione (detox synergy). GHK-Cu for comprehensive anti-aging. Semax/Selank for cognitive enhancement.

SubQ burns/stings — normal. Dilute well and inject slowly. IV infusions (clinic) take 2-4 hours but provide higher doses (250-500 mg). Oral NMN/NR are lower bioavailability alternatives. SubQ target: 100 mg/day.

View full profile →

Glutathione Wellness

The body's "master antioxidant." Neutralizes free radicals, supports liver detoxification, enhances immune function, and brightens skin. Injectable form preferred because oral glutathione has very poor bioavailability.

Dose

SubQ: 100-200 mg/day

Route

SubQ (home) or IV (clinic)

Frequency

SubQ: EOD to daily

Half-Life

~15 minutes

Cycle

Ongoing — no cycling needed

Steady State

~2-3 hours

What to Expect

Improved energy and recovery within 1-2 weeks. Skin brightening over 4-8 weeks. Immune support is ongoing. Benefits are cumulative and often subtle rather than dramatic.

Stacks Well With

NAD+ (the "Detox Protocol"). GHK-Cu for skin benefits. Supports any protocol as a foundational wellness compound.

SubQ stings — dilute well and inject slowly. Oral glutathione has very poor absorption — injectable is significantly more effective. No cycling needed. Often paired with NAD+ IV infusions at clinics.

View full profile →

Thymosin Alpha-1 Immune

Immune modulator that enhances T-cell function and adaptive immune response. One of the most well-studied peptides — FDA-approved in 35+ countries. Gained significant popularity post-COVID in biohacking communities.

Dose

1.6 mg/injection

Route

Subcutaneous

Frequency

Twice weekly

Half-Life

~2 hours

Longevity, biohacking, post-alcohol/travel recovery, general wellness optimization, aging support.

Section 05

Tracking Your Protocol

You've built the knowledge. Now the question becomes: how do you know if it's actually working? Tracking turns guesswork into data. See also: How to Know If Your Peptides Are Working and Understanding Steady State.

Why Tracking Matters

The most common question people ask during a peptide protocol is "is it working?" — and without tracking, you're relying on memory and gut feeling. Both are unreliable.

Tracking gives you three things: adherence visibility (did you actually take every dose?), subjective trends (how you feel over time, plotted on a curve instead of remembered vaguely), and pharmacokinetic context (understanding where your blood levels actually are based on half-life math).

A peptide with a 7-day half-life takes ~5 weeks to reach steady state. Without tracking, you might quit at week 3 thinking "it's not working" — when you haven't even reached full saturation yet.

What to Track

Doses

Log every dose with timestamp, amount, and route. Consistent timing matters — especially for short half-life compounds where missed doses create wider level fluctuations.

Dose amount (mg/mcg)
Time of administration
Injection site (rotate)
Any skipped doses

Subjective Markers

Daily check-ins on how you feel. Simple 1-5 scales. The value isn't any single day — it's the trend over weeks and months.

Energy
Sleep quality
Mood
Recovery
Appetite
Skin quality
Focus

Objective Data

Measurements that remove subjectivity. Bloodwork is the gold standard for knowing what's happening internally.

Body weight (weekly)
Body measurements
Progress photos
Bloodwork panels
Blood pressure

When to Get Bloodwork

For the full timing guide including panels by compound type, see When to Get Bloodwork on Peptides.

Baseline

Before starting any protocol

Complete metabolic panel (CMP)
Complete blood count (CBC)
Lipid panel
Liver enzymes (AST/ALT)
Kidney function (BUN/Creatinine)
Fasting glucose + HbA1c
Hormone panel (if applicable)
IGF-1 (if using GH compounds)

Recheck

4-8 weeks into protocol

Same panels as baseline
Compare values for changes
Time blood draw at trough
GLP-1 users: check HbA1c, lipids
GH users: check IGF-1 levels
Healing protocols: inflammatory markers (CRP)
Adjust protocol based on results

Trough timing: Get blood drawn right before your next dose, when levels are at their lowest. For weekly compounds like semaglutide, draw blood on day 6-7. For daily compounds, draw blood in the morning before dosing. This gives the most accurate picture of your minimum circulating levels.

How Milligram Helps

Built for exactly this

Milligram is a protocol tracking app designed specifically for peptide users. It uses your compound's half-life data to calculate real-time blood level curves, shows you when you've hit saturation, tracks your subjective markers, and tells you what's happening pharmacokinetically — so you're never left wondering "is it working?"

● Real-time PK curves for every compound ● Saturation tracking ● Dose scheduling with reminders ● Daily check-ins ● Reconstitution calculator ● 100+ compounds

Done reading?
Now track it.

This guide tells you what to take and when. Milligram shows you what's happening after you do.

Real-time pharmacokinetic curves

Saturation tracking

Dose reminders

Daily check-ins

Reconstitution calculator

100+ compounds

Download Milligram — Free

Available on iOS · 3-day free trial · milligramapp.com

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The CompletePeptide Guide

Contents

Peptide Basics

What are peptides?

How do peptides work?

Key Terms

How to Read a Compound Card

Getting Started

What You Need

Reconstitution — Step by Step

Gather supplies

Clean vial tops

Draw BAC water

Add to peptide vial

Calculate your dose

Store correctly

Common Calculations

Storage Rules

Powder (Unreconstituted)

Mixed (Reconstituted)

BAC Water

Injection Basics

Subcutaneous (SubQ)

Intramuscular (IM)

Compound Reference

Weight Loss

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

Healing & Recovery

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

Growth Hormone

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

Skin & Anti-Aging

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

Cognitive

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

Tanning & Sexual Health

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

Muscle Growth

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

Longevity & Wellness

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

What to Expect

Stacks Well With

Popular Stacks

Protocol

Why It Works

What to Expect

Best For

Protocol

Why It Works

The Complete
Peptide Guide

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