The effects of specific peptides in practice

Author: Yuri Klimishin - an iron enthusiast and veteran of the "chemical" front.
2015-03-29

Important! We do not advocate for the use of steroids and other potent substances. All information is provided so that those who still decide to take them can do so with minimal health risks.

To begin with, I will name three reasons why my attitude toward these substances is rather negative or, at the very least, indifferent and uncertain.

Reason #1. No matter what anyone says, my opinion is that forcing the body to produce more of any substances in the same time frame is more dangerous than introducing these substances from outside. Any reasonable person understands that stimulating anything is a direct path to exhausting certain resources in our body. When you're 20-25 years old, you don't think about this much, especially considering the availability and low cost of most peptide drugs. However, it’s wise to consider that the same growth hormone is VERY necessary not only in youth but also in more mature age. And it's not a given that by disrupting the production of somatotropin by the pituitary gland, you will have the opportunity to introduce exogenous hormones in the future. They don't come cheap.

Reason #2. Unfortunately, there are currently no scientific facts regarding the long-term side effects of most peptides. And they won't appear anytime soon. It will take years for the dark side of peptide drugs to emerge. And it will emerge—make no mistake. Any medications that affect the endocrine system MUST have their downsides.

Reason #3. The 95% of peptide drugs available on our market for average consumers are EXTREMELY low quality. A basic example: visit any American pharmacology website and inquire about the cost of IGF-1. Then compare that to how much it sells for here in Russia and Ukraine. It's laughable. It would be understandable if the economic difference were ten to fifteen American dollars—I would get that. After all, the income levels here and there are astronomically different. However, a vial of IGF-1 in America costs about 100-120 dollars. That says a lot when it comes to pharmacology.

What are Peptides

Peptides are substances made up of amino acid residues, forming chains connected by peptide bonds. Simply put, what we call peptides are fragments (pieces) of the amino acid chain of a certain hormone with a protein origin. For example, most peptides are fragments of the amino acid chain of growth hormone.

But the process is not limited to just growth hormone:

• It also includes drugs related to the reproductive system (gonadorelin),
• To skin’s ability to resist melanoma (melanotan group),
• Myostatin blockers,
• Tissue repair agents for internal organs, CNS, and the musculoskeletal system,
• As well as mediators like IGF-1 and MGF.

Recently, peptides have even emerged that, according to their distributors (which I don't believe at all), can have a corrective effect on the pancreas. I think that very soon there will be a complete set of fragments similar to all the protein substances in the human body. The theory is dull and dry, so let's move on to the practical applications of some drugs.

Review of Specific Peptide Drugs

TV-500

One of my acquaintances uses it for joint and ligament issues. I must admit that this thymosin stimulant actually helps, at least in relieving pain in damaged tissues of our musculoskeletal system. What happens after discontinuation varies from person to person. However, it definitely works during the cycle. Moreover, this effect is observed quite rapidly after starting use.

Another feature of this peptide is the relief of muscle spasms after heavy training. It reportedly allows for a slight increase in strength indicators and overall performance. Essentially, this assistant really works. And that is the most important thing. No side effects were observed. Though there is a theory that this substance could potentially enhance the growth and development of cancer cells, if such are present. But for now, that remains just words on paper. Time is needed to understand this. Unfortunately, in some sports federations, it is already classified as a doping substance.

GHRP – 6

Despite the fact that this drug belongs to the ghrelin group and is supposed to significantly increase the production of the body's own growth hormone, nothing like that happened in practice. Moreover, tests were conducted on two individuals taking it simultaneously, both of whom are familiar with the effects of synthetic growth hormone. So there can't be any mistakes.

However, this drug significantly increases appetite shortly after administration. Of course, it is weaker than insulin, but it does not cause hypoglycemia. You feel very hungry and want to eat a lot. This is perfect for those who struggle to gain weight.

Unfortunately, one of the subjects experienced a spike in prolactin after a week. Suddenly, their libido dropped significantly. Tests indicated prolactin levels that were no less than those seen with progestins like nandrolone. They had to discontinue this peptide. Personally, I would prefer to take methandienone. It also helps to consume more calories without causing any issues with prolactin. However, perhaps if this drug is taken sporadically—say, several times a week—then there wouldn’t be any problems with prolactin.

MELANOTAN – 2

This peptide does not affect sports performance. However, it is not listed among the sports peptides. Instead, it helps achieve an even and high-quality tan quickly, requiring minimal exposure to sunlight or tanning lamps. It tans everything evenly and beautifully, even areas that are covered by clothing. Another HUGE plus is the substantial increase in libido.

There are downsides as well. Common side effects of this substance include hypertension and the appearance of moles on the body (or the intensification of existing patterns). Furthermore, it appears that researchers have concluded that regular use of this peptide can intensify the development of melanoma in some individuals.

MGF PEG

Pegylated Mechanical Growth Factor is a peptide substance that is a type of IGF-1 and is primarily produced in muscle cells. Pegylation is a pharmacological method to extend the half-life of a drug to prolong the effect after administration.

A financially secure individual acquired genuine MGF and began injecting it locally into muscle groups (biceps, rear deltoids, calves) just before and after training those muscle groups. It's quite problematic to administer so many injections. However, it seems that their shoulders and arms increased noticeably more than just on a steroid cycle. The calves, on the other hand, showed no change at all—truly an impenetrable muscle.

In any case, MGF appears to work. But obtaining a quality product is incredibly difficult and can be quite expensive. As for side effects, no significant issues were observed, except for painful sensations at the injection sites, but this could be an individual reaction to the injection.

IGF – 1

Overall, this substance complements growth hormone excellently during cutting and helps maintain muscle during steroid cycles. When bulking, it speeds up recovery and slightly enhances the effect of AAS. However, a quality product costs a lot. What one specific person purchased in my case was merely a counterfeit, at a corresponding price. Naturally, there was no effect whatsoever.

In terms of side effects, there is a risk of promoting the growth of undesirable cells in the body and dysfunction of the pancreas. Sometimes weakness, fatigue, and drowsiness manifest. That's about all I know.

IPAMORELIN

Another peptide that supposedly should stimulate the production of somatotropin by the body and has a fat-burning effect. The level of natural hormone did indeed rise slightly. Unfortunately, we did not observe any effects on fat tissue. However, it did increase water retention significantly, causing a feeling of heaviness in the legs—typical issues with growth hormone. The only advantage is a deeper and more restful sleep if the standard dose of this peptide is administered shortly before bedtime. Overall, the disappointments outweigh the positive emotions.

In Conclusion

That's all I can say about peptides for now. The promised results from sellers are not evident. At least, the most significant expectations for a noticeable increase in growth hormone have not yet been justified by peptides. I do not use them myself and, to be honest, I don’t feel a desire to. Perhaps in the future, these substances will indeed help in the rapid recovery of suppressed organic growth hormone during a cycle. Also, they may assist aging athletes whose secretion of somatotropin is decreasing. I deliberately did not write about initial dosages and preparation and use schemes for peptide solutions. This information is abundantly available on every site where these products can be ordered.

One more thing: all the described peptide drugs (except for melanotan) were administered only as an adjunct to steroids and testosterone. Using them without testosterone (at the very least) is a waste of money and time. An exception could be made for TV – 500. Overall, DO NOT BELIEVE those hypocritical and thoroughly corrupt dealers who claim that peptides can replace AAS. In the coming years, nothing will replace testosterone and steroids in strength sports and bodybuilding.