Peptides are one of the fastest-growing areas of wellness medicine, and one of the most common questions we hear at Evolv Wellness MedSpa is simply, “What are they?” This guide covers the basics: what peptides are, how peptide therapy works, the peptides we discuss most often with patients, and what to expect if you’re considering it.
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the same building blocks that make up proteins. Your body already makes thousands of them, and they act as messengers that signal cells to do specific jobs: repair tissue, release hormones, regulate inflammation, support metabolism and more. Peptide therapy uses specific peptides to support those natural signaling processes in a targeted way.
How peptide therapy works
Most therapeutic peptides are given as small subcutaneous injections, though some come in other forms. Because each peptide sends a fairly specific signal, protocols are chosen around your goals, whether that’s recovery, skin health, energy, body composition or healthy aging. Your provider reviews your health history and goals first, then builds a plan and adjusts it over time.
Peptides we discuss most often
- BPC-157: An investigational peptide studied for its potential role in tissue repair and gut health. Most research to date is preclinical.
- TB-500 (Thymosin beta-4): Studied for its role in cell migration and tissue recovery, often discussed for injury and workout recovery.
- GHK-Cu: A copper peptide naturally found in the body, widely studied for skin health, collagen support and wound healing. It pairs well with aesthetic treatments like microneedling.
- CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin: A combination that encourages the body’s own growth-hormone release, commonly discussed for sleep quality, recovery and body composition.
- Sermorelin: A growth-hormone-releasing peptide that supports the pituitary’s natural output rather than replacing hormones directly.
- Tesamorelin: A growth-hormone-releasing peptide studied for its effect on abdominal (visceral) fat.
- MOTS-c: A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for its role in metabolism, energy and exercise capacity.
- NAD+: Not a peptide, but often paired with peptide protocols. NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production and repair, and levels naturally decline with age.
Peptides vs. hormone replacement
Growth-hormone-releasing peptides like Sermorelin, Tesamorelin and CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin work differently from traditional hormone replacement. Instead of supplying a hormone directly, they signal your body to produce more of its own, in a more natural rhythm. For many patients that’s an appealing way to support hormone balance, energy and recovery as part of a broader wellness plan.
Peptides and weight loss
The best-known peptide medications today are actually weight-loss medications. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are peptide-based drugs that act on appetite and blood-sugar hormones. Read our comparison, Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide, or visit our Semaglutide Weight Loss page. Some patients pair a weight-loss program with recovery or metabolic peptides to support energy and lean muscle.
Is peptide therapy safe?
Safety depends on the peptide, the source and the supervision. Many peptides are still being studied, and quality varies widely outside of a medical setting. At Evolv, peptide therapy is provider-guided, starts with a health review and uses reputable sources. For a deeper look, read Are All Peptides Safe?
Getting started
Explore our Peptide Therapy & NAD+ page and our Peptides & Supplements, check our current specials, or book a consultation at Evolv Wellness MedSpa, 2503 Elmira Street, Aurora, CO 80010.
This article is for educational purposes and isn’t medical advice. Some peptides discussed are investigational and not FDA-approved for these uses. Talk with a licensed provider before starting any peptide therapy.