Increased cholesterol, a sluggish metabolism, low libido, loss of lean muscle mass and weight gain can all be caused by changes in the body associated with aging. A TeleWellnessMD wellness healthcare provider can assist you with alleviating some of these undesirable symptoms of aging through hormone optimization and peptide therapy. Let’s explore some of these therapies and their health benefits including HCG, Sermorelin and GHRP and RAS-2.
HCG
We all have a small gland deep within our brain called the hypothalamus. This is a vital part of the body which controls all our autonomic functions, including breathing, heartbeat, digestion, sleep and the complicated functions of the endocrine (hormone) system. Included in these endocrine functions is the regulation and control of metabolism and weight.
HCG mimics the hormone Luteinizing Hormone, and can be used in certain circumstances to enhance the production of progesterone in females.
In males, HCG injections are used to stimulate the leydig cells to synthesize testosterone. Typical uses for HCG in men include hypogonadism and fertility treatment, but some clinical trials are supporting some benefits in weight loss.
SERMORELIN
Sermorelin acetate is a human growth hormone-releasing hormone or growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRH or GRF). Off label usage of sermorelin acetate may include acute or age-related growth hormone insufficiency. GHRH is a peptide that contains the first 29 amino acids that make up growth hormone produced in our body and stimulates the pituitary glands to release GH. We are naturally depleted of growth hormone as we age and this peptide promotes healthy function of the pituitary (the gland responsible for our body’s production of HGH) and supports keeping these levels optimal.
With regular growth hormone therapy there is the possibility of shutting down the normal growth hormone production and the possibility of a sudden reduction in response to HGH injections (a phenomenon known as tachyphylaxis) and then growth hormone resistance.
Sermorelin and other secretogogues do not experience tachyphylaxis and helps the body achieve a more natural growth hormone levels. Sermorelin does not shut down the body’s own production of HGH but instead supports pituitary function and promotes natural production of HGH.
Research has shown that Growth Hormone has a host of beneficial effects including:
- Decreased body fat
- Increased muscle mass
- Increased strength
- Improved stamina
- Improved fat burning
- Improved energy
- Improved sex drive and desire
- Improved skin elasticity
- Aids in connective tissue repair post injury (wound healing)
- Improved quality of sleep
- Increased bone density through calcium retention
- Improved the immune system
- Improved cholesterol profiles
Optimizing the production and secretion of GH can be a great addition to any fitness regimen or wellness program.
GHRP’s have also been shown to raise cortisol levels in those with poor functioning adrenal glands. Some conditions associated with low cortisol are fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, and obesity to name a few.
This product is not FDA approved and therefore outside of clinical use, but substantial information is available on its role in clinical observational trials.
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRP’s)
GHRP 2 and GHRP 6 are both Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides, which are a small family of peptides acting at the pituitary and the hypothalamus to release Human Growth hormone (HGH). GHRP’s are synthetic activators of the hormone ghrelin a gut peptide that binds to the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor. Ghrelin has two major effects, stimulating both GH secretion and appetite stimulation. GHRP’s also have the added benefit of blocking Somatostatin, a hormone that inhibits HGH release.
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides substantially stimulates the pituitary gland’s increased natural production of the body’s own human growth hormone (HGH). Research has shown that GHRP’s can increase Insulin Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) levels, but even greater results occurred when GHRP is used with Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) or GHRH secretogogues such as sermorelin, which also stimulates the pituitary gland to produce increased natural secretion of human growth hormone.
Because of the association with the hormone ghrelin, GHRP’s can stimulate appetite. The difference between GHRP 2 and 6 is that GHRP 6 has been found to have a more substantial affect on appetite. GHRP 6 has still been found to be beneficial and patients can dose prior to bed to reduce hunger.
With regular growth hormone therapy there is the possibility of shutting down the normal growth hormone production and the possibility of a sudden reduction in response to HGH injections (a phenomenon known as tachyphylaxis) and then growth hormone resistance.
GHRP’s and other secretogogues do not experience tachyphylaxis and helps the body achieve a more natural growth hormone levels. GHRP’s do not shut down the body’s own production of HGH but instead supports pituitary function and promotes natural production.
Research has shown that Growth Hormone has a host of beneficial effects including:
- Decreased body fat
- Increased muscle mass
- Increased strength
- Improved stamina
- Improved fat burning
- Improved energy
- Improved sex drive and desire
- Improved skin elasticity
- Aids in connective tissue repair post injury (wound healing)
- Improved quality of sleep
- Increased bone density through calcium retention
- Improved the immune system
- Improved cholesterol profiles
Optimizing the production and secretion of GH can be a great addition to any fitness regimen or wellness program.
GHRP’s have also been shown to raise cortisol levels in those with poor functioning adrenal glands. Some conditions associated with low cortisol are fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, and obesity to name a few.
This product is not FDA approved and therefore outside of clinical use, but substantial information is available on its role in clinical observational trials.
RAS-2
RAS (Release and Secrete) is a proprietary pharmaceutical that was developed to help reduce undesirable symptoms of aging such as decreased libido, hormone imbalance, decreased metabolism, increased cholesterol and weight gain.
RAS is a combination of growth hormone releasing peptide -2 (GHRP-2) and HCG. Although they have different functions, they seem to work synergistically when combined.
They demonstrate strong signals to the body to produce and secrete important hormones that continuously decline with age and other health insults.
Testosterone and Growth Hormone are two hormones that when managed correctly can balance this hormone decline and maintain physiological levels. This can help slow aging and improve performance, mental activity, and the sense of well-being.
The combination of GHRP-2 and HCG benefits has shown to be a powerful opportunity in the area of anti-aging medicine and hormone support. In functional medicine the target is to slow the age related decline of specific hormones including Growth Hormone, Progesterone, and Testosterone.
There may be a synergistic effect by the administration of both together as many of the benefits of RAS-2 seems to be reported more favorable in the combo than when administered individually. RAS-2 has shown favorable results by observational clinical studies in the areas of:
- Increase libido
- Hormone balancing
- Appetite stimulation at certain dosing
- Increased metabolism
- Weight loss with correct nutritional program
- Decrease pain in fibromyalgia patients
- Reduction in cholesterol levels
Why RAS-2 and not Growth Hormone (GH)
There are many reasons why RAS-2 is recommended over GH.
- Taking GH directly creates a negative feedback on the pituitary gland, which if not taken continuously or monitored closely can be a direct cause of deficiency by shutting down one’s own internal production.
- GH taken in one large dose does not mimic the body’s natural production and release of GH.
- GH is very expensive when compared to the available secretogogues.
- Side effects of taking too much growth hormone can include joint pain, swelling, and disruption of other hormone balancing.
- GH has become a controlled substance in many countries making access to if difficult.
Ready to start looking and feeling your best? Our wellness staff is ready to assist you. Call (727) 230-1438 or CLICK HERE to contact us for an appointment in our office located at 26212 US Hwy 19, in Clearwater, Florida.
About Priority You MD
Priority You MD provides personalized, integrative healthcare for general wellness, peptide therapy anti aging, athletic performance and weight management as well as more complex medical issues. In addition, our facility also provides aesthetic services and fitness training. Combining diet, nutrition and exercise with evidence based medicine and preventative therapies, our goal is to help our patients achieve and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Priority You MD utilizes IV therapy protocols from Trim® Nutrition. These proprietary nutrient injections are formulated by doctors and compounding pharmacists who use the highest quality materials and follow strict manufacturing protocols in a class 10,000 compounding facility.
Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, Trim® Nutrition and Priority You MD’s clinical staff of physicians, pharmacists, registered nurses, and research and development specialists are dedicated to the mission of Making Bodies Better™.