Educational guide

Hormone support, explained.

14 options that support the body's own hormone signaling, sexual wellness, and growth hormone axis. Each profile covers what it is, what it supports, the typical protocol in practice, and what to watch for.

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NoteAMS does not provide testosterone replacement (TRT) or traditional hormone replacement (HRT). Everything here supports your own pathways. AMS does not prescribe peptides that are not FDA-approved; our team reviews your history, goals, and labs with you so you can make an informed decision.
HypothalamusGnRH, GHRH PituitaryLH, FSH, GH Bodytestosterone, IGF-1 feedback Sermorelin, CJC, tesamorelinact herehCG, gonadorelin, clomiphene,kisspeptin act here
Your own axissupported, not replaced
Labs firstresults no older than 30 days

The options, by pathway.

Three tabs on each card: what it supports, the typical protocol in practice, and side effects. Growth peptides also appear in the Peptide Field Guide, where the stack finder can combine them with recovery, sleep, and cognitive options.

Growth support

Peptides that act on your own growth hormone axis.

Sermorelin

Formerly approved

A synthetic fragment of GHRH that stimulates the pituitary's own growth-hormone release rather than replacing it with synthetic HGH.

InjectionNightly, 5 nights a week
  • Lean muscle and fat metabolism
  • Deeper, more restorative sleep
  • Recovery from exercise and injury
  • Energy, stamina, and mental clarity
  • Skin elasticity and overall vitality
Time frame: Sleep and energy changes often within 2 to 4 weeks; body composition over 3 to 6 months.
How oftenNightly, 5 nights a week
WhenAt bedtime
Cycle3 to 6 months
Amounts in practice200 to 500 mcg per night
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Injection-site redness, transient flushing, headache, occasional dizziness.
Stacking: A gentler, longer-history alternative to CJC-1295 for the GHRH side of a stack.

Tesamorelin

FDA-approved product

A GHRH analog (the active ingredient in Egrifta), the most-studied peptide for visceral (deep abdominal) fat and the growth hormone axis.

InjectionDaily
  • Visceral belly fat and waistline
  • Body composition and lean muscle preservation
  • Growth hormone and IGF-1 support
  • Liver fat and metabolic markers
  • Cognition in older adults (research)
Time frame: In the approved-use trials, visceral fat reductions were measured at 26 weeks and maintained through 52 weeks with continued use.
How oftenDaily
WhenEvening
Cycle3 to 6 months
Amounts in practice1 to 2 mg per day
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Injection-site reactions, joint stiffness, muscle aches, fluid retention, tingling. Can raise blood sugar. Not for pregnancy or active cancer.
Stacking: Offered at AMS after labs. Pairs with ipamorelin (the Revive blend) for a fuller GH effect.

Ipamorelin

Investigational

A selective growth-hormone secretagogue that prompts a GH pulse with little effect on cortisol or appetite hormones.

InjectionNightly, or 1 to 3 times a day
  • Natural growth hormone release with a mild profile
  • Lean muscle tone and fat metabolism
  • Sleep quality and next-day energy
  • Recovery from workouts and injury
  • Skin, hair, and joint health
Time frame: Sleep and recovery changes often reported within 2 to 4 weeks; body composition over 8 to 12 weeks or longer.
How oftenNightly, or 1 to 3 times a day
WhenAt bedtime, on an empty stomach
Cycle8 to 12 weeks, then a break
Amounts in practice200 to 300 mcg per injection
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
One of the milder GH-peptide profiles: injection-site irritation, mild headache, flushing, occasional water retention.
Stacking: The gentlest GH secretagogue; the usual partner for CJC-1295 or tesamorelin.

CJC-1295

Investigational

A synthetic GHRH analog that prompts the pituitary to release growth hormone. The no-DAC form is short-acting; DAC is long-acting.

InjectionNightly, 5 nights a week (no-DAC)
  • Sustained growth hormone and IGF-1 levels
  • Fat loss and lean muscle development
  • Sleep quality and recovery
  • Energy, endurance, and performance
Time frame: Sleep and energy changes commonly reported within 2 to 4 weeks; body composition over 3 to 6 months.
How oftenNightly, 5 nights a week (no-DAC)
WhenAt bedtime, on an empty stomach
Cycle8 to 12 weeks, then a 4 week break
Amounts in practice100 to 300 mcg per night; DAC form 1 to 2 mg weekly
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Injection-site redness, flushing, headache, water retention, tingling in hands. IGF-1 and blood-sugar monitoring is prudent.
Stacking: Almost always paired with ipamorelin (the Tone blend) rather than used alone.

Revive Blend

Investigational

Tesamorelin plus ipamorelin: the visceral-fat GHRH analog with a selective GH pulse.

InjectionNightlyBlend of 2
  • Visceral fat (tesamorelin trials)
  • Growth hormone pulse (ipamorelin studies)
Time frame: Sleep and recovery changes within the first month; abdominal-fat changes over 3 to 6 months.
How oftenNightly
WhenAt bedtime
Cycle3 to 6 months
Amounts in practiceTesamorelin 1 mg with ipamorelin 200 mcg per night
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Injection-site reactions, joint stiffness, water retention, headache. Blood sugar monitored.
Stacking: The GH blend to choose when abdominal fat is the main goal.

Tone Blend

Investigational

CJC-1295 plus ipamorelin, the most common GH pairing: a sustained GHRH baseline with a clean secretagogue pulse.

InjectionNightly, 5 nights a weekBlend of 2
  • Growth hormone and IGF-1 levels (component studies)
  • Sleep quality and body composition (patient reports)
Time frame: Deeper sleep commonly within 1 to 2 weeks; body composition and recovery over 3 to 6 months.
How oftenNightly, 5 nights a week
WhenAt bedtime, on an empty stomach
Cycle8 to 12 weeks, then a 4 week break
Amounts in practice100 to 200 mcg of each per night
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Injection-site irritation, flushing, mild headache, water retention. IGF-1 and blood-sugar cautions apply.
Stacking: One bedtime injection covers the whole GH side of a stack.

Hormone support

Options that support the body's own testosterone and reproductive signaling.

hCG

FDA-approved product

Human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that acts like LH, used to support the body's own testosterone production, testicular function, and fertility.

Injection2 to 3 times a week
  • The body's own testosterone production
  • Fertility and testicular function
  • Maintenance of natural hormone signaling
  • Sexual wellness
Time frame: Hormone responses are measurable on labs within a few weeks; plans are individualized and monitored.
How often2 to 3 times a week
WhenEvening
CycleOngoing under lab monitoring
Amounts in practice250 to 500 IU per injection
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Injection-site reactions, headache, irritability, fatigue, fluid retention, breast tenderness. Monitored with labs.
Stacking: Usually the backbone of a hormone-support plan; labs from the last 30 days come first.

Gonadorelin

Investigational

A form of GnRH that stimulates the pituitary to release LH and FSH, the hormones behind reproductive and hormonal signaling.

Injection2 to 3 times a week
  • Natural LH and FSH release
  • The body's own hormone production
  • Fertility and testicular function
Time frame: Hormonal effects are typically evident on labs within the first several weeks.
How often2 to 3 times a week
WhenEvening
CycleOngoing as part of a program
Amounts in practice100 to 200 mcg per injection
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Injection-site reactions, headache, flushing, nausea. Monitored with routine labs.
Stacking: An alternative to hCG for keeping natural signaling active.

Clomiphene

FDA-approved product

An oral medication that raises the body's own testosterone without injections by blocking estrogen feedback at the brain, prompting more LH and FSH.

OralDaily or every other day
  • The body's own testosterone production
  • Preserved, often improved, fertility and sperm production
  • Energy, mood, and motivation
Time frame: Testosterone rises on labs within 2 to 4 weeks; symptom changes commonly within 4 to 8 weeks.
How oftenDaily or every other day
WhenMorning
Cycle3 to 6 months with labs every 6 to 8 weeks
Amounts in practice12.5 to 25 mg per dose
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Mood changes, headache, hot flashes, acne, and rarely visual disturbances (report immediately). Regular labs throughout.
Stacking: Needle-free. Often combined with hCG or run on its own for men who want to stay fertile.

Kisspeptin

Investigational

A natural neuropeptide at the top of the reproductive hormone cascade, triggering GnRH and therefore LH and FSH release.

Injection2 to 3 times a week, or before intimacy
  • Natural production of LH, FSH, and testosterone
  • Sexual response and desire
  • Reproductive hormone balance in men and women
  • Mood and motivation tied to hormonal balance
Time frame: Hormone responses measurable within hours; functional effects over weeks.
How often2 to 3 times a week, or before intimacy
WhenEvening
Cycle4 to 8 weeks
Amounts in practice100 to 200 mcg per injection
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Injection-site irritation, flushing, headache. Long-term data is lacking.
Stacking: An upstream option; pairs with PT-141 for desire and response.

Sexual wellness

On-demand and daily options for desire and performance.

PT-141 (bremelanotide)

FDA-approved product

A melanocortin-receptor peptide (the active ingredient in Vyleesi) that works on desire and arousal through the nervous system rather than blood flow, for men and women.

InjectionAs needed
  • Desire and performance in men and women
  • Arousal and response when blood-flow medicines fall short
  • Satisfaction and confidence
  • On-demand use, not daily
Time frame: On demand, 45 minutes to 2 hours before activity; effects last several hours. Limit one dose in 24 hours and eight per month.
How oftenAs needed
When45 minutes to 2 hours before
CycleOngoing, within the monthly limit
Amounts in practice1 to 2 mg per dose
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Nausea is the most common effect, plus flushing, headache, injection-site reactions, and a brief rise in blood pressure. Not for uncontrolled hypertension or heart disease.
Stacking: The anchor of a desire and performance stack; works for both partners.

Oxytocin

FDA-approved product

A neuropeptide hormone made in the hypothalamus, often called the bonding hormone. Used for connection, mood, and sexual wellness as a nasal spray or sublingual.

Nasal sprayAs needed, or a few times a week
  • Emotional connection and bonding
  • Intensity of sexual response and satisfaction
  • Stress and anxiety around intimacy
  • Mood and overall wellbeing
Time frame: Used on demand; effects within 30 to 60 minutes, lasting a few hours.
How oftenAs needed, or a few times a week
When30 to 60 minutes before, or evening
CycleOngoing as needed
Amounts in practice20 to 40 IU nasal; 100 to 200 mcg sublingual
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Mild headache, drowsiness, nasal irritation, occasionally nausea. Not used in pregnancy.
Stacking: Needle-free. Combines well with PT-141 (desire) or Selank (calm).

Tadalafil (Cialis)

FDA-approved product

The active ingredient in Cialis, a PDE5 inhibitor that supports blood flow. Long window of effect, with on-demand and daily low-dose options.

OralDaily low dose, or as needed
  • Erectile function and performance
  • Up to 36 hours of effect per dose
  • Daily low-dose option for spontaneity
  • Urinary symptoms with an enlarged prostate (BPH)
Time frame: On demand within 30 to 60 minutes, lasting up to 36 hours; daily low dose reaches steady effect in about 5 days.
How oftenDaily low dose, or as needed
WhenAny time (daily) or 30 to 60 minutes before
CycleOngoing
Amounts in practice2.5 to 5 mg daily; 10 to 20 mg on demand
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, back or muscle aches. Never combined with nitrates.
Stacking: The daily low dose pairs with PT-141 or oxytocin for a desire-plus-performance plan.

Sildenafil (Viagra)

FDA-approved product

The active ingredient in Viagra, the most widely recognized medication for erectile function, working through blood flow.

OralAs needed
  • Erectile function and performance
  • Reliable, fast-acting support
  • Decades of research and safety data
Time frame: Takes effect within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts about 4 to 6 hours; best on a relatively empty stomach.
How oftenAs needed
When30 to 60 minutes before
CycleOngoing
Amounts in practice25 to 100 mg per dose
Ranges reported in research and clinical practice. Our team reviews your history and goals with you so you can make an informed decision.
Headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, temporary visual changes. Never combined with nitrates.
Stacking: The on-demand alternative to tadalafil.

Every hormone plan starts with labs

Our team reviews real numbers with you, alongside your history and goals, before you decide anything. Bring labs from the last 30 days from your primary care or treating physician, or arrive fasted and we draw them the same day at either clinic.

30 daysLabs must be recent
Same dayFasted draw available at AMS
In personReviewed with you at either clinic

Educational content. This guide describes research and common practice; it is not medical advice or a guarantee of results. AMS Wellness & IV does not prescribe peptides that are not FDA-approved; those entries are here for education only. Our physician and nursing team review your medical history and goals with you in person, in Sarasota or Englewood, so you can make an informed decision about what fits you. Regulatory status varies by product and is shown on each entry. AMS does not provide TRT or HRT; hormone support here means supporting your own pathways when medically appropriate.

Medical Director and Supervising Physician: Quratulain Hayat, DO, Family Medicine, Florida License OS15796.