Peptide & Hormone Therapies for Health, Performance & Longevity | Dr. Craig Koniver
Dr. Craig Koniver, a board-certified physician specializing in performance medicine, explores the fascinating world of peptide and hormone therapies. He discusses GLP-1 analogs for weight loss and BPC-157's impressive healing properties. The conversation dives into testosterone therapy, cutting-edge NAD treatments, and cognitive enhancers like methylene blue. Dr. Koniver underscores the importance of sourcing these therapies safely and working with qualified professionals to maximize benefits while navigating potential risks.
Top snips
What is a peptide?
8:53 – 9:35
Peptides = small proteins. Andrew & Dr. Craig Koniver explain peptides are chains of amino acids (≤40 = peptide, ≥41 = protein). Peptides act as signaling molecules across body & brain and are increasingly used clinically to modulate pathways without fully shutting down endogenous hormone production. Great intro for newcomers.
peptides are just chains of amino acids.
— Craig Koniver
GLP‑1: microdosing rather than shotgun dosing
9:59 – 11:58
GLP‑1 agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) moved from diabetes → weight loss. Dr. Koniver favors microdosing to avoid rapid lean-mass loss and side effects: aim for ≤2 lb/week weight loss, combine with resistance training and adequate protein. He emphasizes physician oversight and tailoring dose to reduce nausea and rebound weight gain.
BPC‑157 → PDA: healing & inflammation control
19:46 – 21:18
BPC‑157 was widely used for tendon, ligament, GI inflammation and recovery. After FDA restrictions, clinicians pivot to PDA (pentadeca‑arginate) — one amino-acid swap — with similar anti‑inflammatory, healing effects. Typical starting dose: 250–500 mcg subQ daily (M–F). Injection often more effective than oral for systemic recovery.
Growth‑hormone secretagogues: flavors & stacks
48:03 – 57:31
Peptides like ipamorelin, GHRP‑6, sermorelin, tesamorelin, hexarelin stimulate your own GH release. Different ‘flavors’: ipamorelin = clean, sleep‑friendly; GHRP‑6/MK‑677 = appetite↑; tesamorelin = visceral fat reduction. Clinics often stack low doses (e.g., BPC + ipamorelin + tesamorelin) at bedtime to boost repair without excess dosing.
NAD infusions: rapid, sometimes transformative
1:52:59 – 2:02:21
IV NAD (commonly 750 mg load; 5 treatments in 10 days) can produce fast symptom relief for fatigue, long‑COVID, mood and cognitive fog. Maintenance ranges: weekly → monthly → quarterly depending on response. If IV unaffordable, subQ 100 mg five days on / two off or daily NMN are lower‑cost alternatives.
Safety, sourcing & the FDA landscape
35:44 – 37:49
Dr. Koniver warns against dark‑gray/black‑market peptides (endotoxin/LPS risk). Prefer physician‑prescribed products from regulated compounding pharmacies (purity, sterility testing). Note: FDA has recently restricted/returned several peptides — so clinicians adapt (e.g., PDA for BPC). Bottom line: work with experienced physicians, verify lab testing, and start low.