Peptide Guide 2026

Educational reference, not a pharmacy: compounded peptide protocols, dose ranges, cycle length and reconstitution math for 40+ peptides. Free, no sign-up.

The Peptide Guide 2026 is our full protocol reference: reconstitution math, dose ranges, frequency, cycle length, stacking, side effects, bloodwork, and storage for every peptide category we cover.

Each category below is also published as its own focused page so you can jump straight to the intent you came for.

Muscle Building & Performance

Boost hypertrophy, strength, and endurance by stimulating GH/IGF-1 pathways. Ideal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking lean gains without cortisol spikes or hormonal suppression.

Peptide	Dose range	Frequency	Cycle
Sermorelin	200–500 mcg	2×/week to daily (5-on/2-off)	3–6 months on, 4–6 weeks off
CJC-1295	100–500 mcg	2×/week to daily	8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off; use MK-677 as bridge
Ipamorelin	100–500 mcg	Daily at bedtime to 2–3× daily	12 weeks on, 4–6 weeks off; 5-on/2-off for longevity
IGF-1 LR3	20–80 mcg	3×/week to daily post-workout	4–6 weeks on, 4 weeks off; never exceed 8 weeks
MK-677 / Ibutamoren	10–25 mg	Once daily (PM)	8–16 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off
GHRP-6	100–300 mcg	2–3× daily	8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
GHRP-2	100–300 mcg	2–3× daily	8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off; rotate with other GHRPs
Hexarelin	100–200 mcg	1–3× daily	4–8 weeks max, then 4–6 weeks off

Fat Loss & Metabolism

Target visceral fat, regulate appetite, and improve insulin sensitivity for sustainable body composition changes. The GLP-1 class has revolutionized weight management with proven efficacy.

Peptide	Dose range	Frequency	Cycle
Semaglutide	0.25 – 2.4 mg	1× per week (same day)	Continuous (titrate up over months); 4-week titration phases
Tirzepatide	2.5 – 15 mg	1× per week	Long-term; cycle off 4 weeks every 6 months
Retatrutide	0.5 – 12 mg	1× per week (every 7 days) AM/PM	No strict cycle. Most users transition to a maintenance dose long-term.
AOD-9604	250 – 1000 mcg	Daily (AM fasted) or split AM/PM	12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Tesamorelin	1 – 2 mg	Daily (bedtime)	26-week cycles typical; continuous with monitoring
5-Amino-1MQ	5 – 15 mg	1× daily, subcutaneous injection	8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off

Injury Recovery & Healing

Accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and rebuild stronger. Favorites among athletes, biohackers, and anyone recovering from injury or surgery.

Peptide	Dose range	Frequency	Cycle
BPC-157	250 – 500 mcg	Daily to 2× daily	4–8 weeks acute; 2 weeks/month maintenance
TB-500	2 – 10 mg	1–2×/week	4-week loading + 4–8 week maintenance
BPC-157 / TB-500 Blend	0.25 – 0.5 mg of each peptide per dose (0.05 – 0.10 ml from a 2 ml reconstitution)	BPC-157 component daily or 2× daily; TB-500 loading 2×/week, then 1×/week maintenance — most users inject the blend daily during the 4-week loading phase, then taper TB-500 by reducing frequency	4-week loading (daily) + 4–8 week maintenance (2–3×/week), then 2–4 week break
GHK-Cu	0.5 – 3 mg	Daily or split doses	8 weeks on, 4 weeks off (injectable)
LL-37	50 – 400 mcg	Daily or every other day	4–8 weeks for acute issues; not for long-term continuous use
Pentadecapeptide	250 – 750 mcg	Daily or 2× daily	4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off

Anti-Aging & Longevity

Reverse cellular decline, enhance vitality, and extend healthspan. These peptides target fundamental aging mechanisms: telomeres, mitochondria, immune function, and cellular repair.

Peptide	Dose range	Frequency	Cycle
Epitalon	5 – 20 mg	Daily (PM)	10–20 days on, 4–6 months off (unique cycling pattern)
Thymosin Alpha-1	1.6 – 3.2 mg	2–3×/week to daily	4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off; seasonal use pre-flu season
Humanin	0.5 – 4 mg	Daily	8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
SS-31 / Elamipretide	10 – 80 mg	Daily	8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Glutathione	200 – 600 mg	2–3×/week (IV/IM) or daily (SubQ low-dose)	8–12 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off

Cognitive & Neuroprotection

Sharpen focus, enhance memory, protect against neurodegeneration, and optimize brain performance. Many developed from Russian neuroscience research with decades of clinical use.

Peptide	Dose range	Frequency	Cycle
MOTS-c	5 – 15 mg	2–3×/week	4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off
Semax	200 – 900 mcg	Daily to 2× daily intranasal	10–14 days on, 7–10 days off
Selank	200 – 1200 mcg	Daily to 2× daily intranasal	Continuous low-dose acceptable; 4 weeks high-dose then 2 weeks off
Dihexa	5 – 30 mg	Daily oral (morning)	8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
NA-Selank / NA-Semax Amidate	150 – 600 mcg	Daily to 2× daily intranasal	10–14 days on, 7–10 days off
P21	500 mcg – 2 mg	Daily SubQ	4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off

Sexual Health & Wellness

Enhance libido, sexual function, and intimate wellness. These peptides work through central nervous system mechanisms rather than direct vascular effects.

Peptide	Dose range	Frequency	Cycle
PT-141	0.5 – 2 mg	As needed (1–2 hours before)	As-needed only; max 8 doses per month per FDA guidelines
Kisspeptin	1 – 5 nmol/kg	Protocol-dependent (clinical use)	Research compound; typically single-dose or short-term
Melanotan II	100 – 500+ mcg	Loading then weekly maintenance	Loading 2–4 weeks, then maintenance 1–2×/week

Bone, Joint & Skin Health

Support skeletal strength, joint mobility, and skin integrity with FDA-approved and bioactive options.

Peptide	Dose range	Frequency	Cycle
Teriparatide	20 – 80 mcg	Daily SubQ	18–24 months maximum (FDA limit); then switch to bisphosphonates
Collagen Peptides	5 – 20 g	Daily oral	Continuous use acceptable; no cycling needed

Reconstitution, step by step

• Gather supplies: peptide vial, BAC water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringe, sharps container.
• Clean rubber stopper of both vials with alcohol swabs.
• Draw desired amount of BAC water into syringe.
• Insert needle into peptide vial at an angle, touching glass wall.
• Slowly release water down the side of vial (never spray directly onto powder).
• Gently swirl until powder fully dissolves (do not shake).
• Label vial: peptide name, concentration, date.
• Store in refrigerator (2–8°C); use within 30 days.

Safety principles

• Start Low, Go Slow: Always begin with the minimum effective dose and titrate gradually over weeks.
• Get Baseline Bloodwork: Before starting, obtain labs including CBC, CMP, lipid panel, hormone panel (testosterone, estrogen, IGF-1, GH), fasting insulin, HbA1c, liver enzymes, and inflammatory markers.
• Monitor Regularly: Retest labs every 4–8 weeks. Track subjective markers daily (sleep, energy, mood, appetite, injection site reactions).
• Source Responsibly: Only use peptides from reputable compounding vendors with third-party COA testing. We STRONGLY recommend they also are based out of the USA for quality assurance.
• Recognize Warning Signs: Stop immediately and seek medical attention for severe injection site reactions, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, vision changes, or allergic reactions.
• Drug Interactions: Many peptides interact with insulin, diabetes drugs, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and hormonal therapies.
• Contraindications: Not for pregnant/breastfeeding women, individuals under 18, those with active cancer, severe liver/kidney disease, or uncontrolled diabetes.

Storage & handling

State	Conditions	Shelf life
Lyophilized (Powder)	Refrigerate 2–8°C (36–46°F) or freeze	12–24 months refrigerated; longer frozen
Reconstituted	Refrigerate 2–8°C only; no freezing	21–30 days typically
In Transit	Insulated packaging; ice packs	Minimize time; avoid heat exposure
MK-677 (Oral)	Room temp okay; cool/dry preferred	Per manufacturer; typically 12+ months

Important

All peptide products referenced are intended solely for research, investigational, or licensed professional use. They are not FDA-approved and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a licensed medical practitioner before any personal or clinical use.

Frequently asked questions

What is a peptide?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids (typically 2–50) that acts as a biological signaling molecule. Therapeutic peptides leverage the body's natural pathways to influence growth, metabolism, recovery, immunity, mood, and reproduction with targeted effects and shorter half-lives than most traditional pharmaceuticals.

How do you reconstitute a peptide vial?

Clean both rubber stoppers with alcohol, draw the calculated amount of bacteriostatic water into an insulin syringe, insert the needle at an angle into the peptide vial, and release the water slowly down the glass wall — never directly onto the powder. Swirl gently until fully dissolved (do not shake). Label the vial with peptide, concentration, and date, and refrigerate at 2–8 °C.

What is the difference between Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Retatrutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist with greater average weight loss in trials. Retatrutide is an investigational triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonist showing the largest Phase 2 weight reductions to date. All three are weekly subcutaneous injections; titrate slowly to minimize GI side effects.

What is the "Wolverine Stack"?

The Wolverine Stack pairs BPC-157 and TB-500 for comprehensive injury recovery. BPC-157 supports tendon, ligament, and gut repair; TB-500 promotes cell migration and broader tissue healing. Typical research protocol: 250–500 mcg BPC-157 daily plus 2–5 mg TB-500 twice weekly for 4–6 weeks.

What is the "Gold Standard" GH stack?

The Gold Standard stack combines CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) with Ipamorelin (a selective ghrelin-receptor agonist). Used together at bedtime, they produce a clean, pulsatile growth-hormone release without spiking cortisol or prolactin. Typical research dosing: 100 mcg of each, 5 nights on / 2 off.

Do peptides require a prescription?

In the United States, FDA-approved peptides such as Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), Teriparatide (Forteo), and PT-141 (Vyleesi) require a prescription. Most other peptides are classified as research compounds and are not FDA-approved for human use. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional.

How should peptides be stored?

Lyophilized (powdered) peptides keep 18–24 months refrigerated at 2–8 °C or up to 5 years frozen at −20 °C. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within 28–30 days. Protect from light, never shake, and discard if cloudy or discolored.

What bloodwork should I run before starting peptides?

Baseline labs should include a CBC, CMP, lipid panel, hormone panel (testosterone, estrogen, IGF-1, GH), fasting insulin, HbA1c, liver enzymes, and inflammatory markers (hs-CRP). Retest every 4–8 weeks during active protocols and track sleep, energy, mood, appetite, and injection-site reactions daily.

What peptide combinations should be avoided?

Avoid stacking multiple GLP-1 agonists (Semaglutide + Tirzepatide), combining GHRH analogs without a ghrelin mimetic (which blunts response), and using Melanotan II alongside other melanocortin agonists like PT-141 due to additive cardiovascular and pigmentation effects.

Is the Clarity Wellness Education library medical advice?

No. This library is provided strictly for educational and research purposes. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting, modifying, or discontinuing any peptide protocol.