Beginner’s Guide to Peptides

May 9, 2026

If you’re new to peptides, this is the place to start. Read it once and the rest of the site’s content will make sense.

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the same building blocks proteins are made of, but in much smaller chains (typically 2 to 50 amino acids; proteins can be hundreds or thousands). They naturally exist throughout your body as signaling molecules. They tell cells what to do: heal, grow, release a hormone, increase appetite, suppress inflammation. Synthetic peptides are designed to bind the same receptors and trigger the same signals.

Why use them?

Because they’re targeted. Where a vitamin or supplement floods your whole system, a peptide binds to a specific receptor and triggers one specific pathway. BPC-157 won’t make you sleep; CJC-1295 won’t heal a torn tendon. Each compound has a job. Picking the right one for your goal — and not the wrong one — is most of the work.

How are peptides taken?

Most are injected subcutaneously (under the skin, into the fat layer) using small insulin syringes. Some are taken orally (KPV, 5-Amino-1MQ), some intranasally (Selank, Semax), and some topically (GHK-Cu cream). The route depends on the molecule’s ability to survive digestion — most peptides are destroyed by stomach acid, which is why they’re injected.

The four things every newcomer needs to learn

1. Reconstitution — how to mix the lyophilized powder with bacteriostatic water. Read the guide.
2. Dosing math — how to convert your target dose (mcg or mg) into units on your insulin syringe. Read the guide.
3. Injection technique — sites, angles, and how to avoid bruising. Read the guide.
4. Cycling — why most peptides aren’t taken continuously. Read the guide.

Your first protocol

Start with one compound. Run it for at least 4 weeks. Don’t add anything else during that time. This way you actually know what’s working.

Common starting points by goal:

• Recovery / joint pain: BPC-157 alone, 250-500 mcg subQ daily for 4-6 weeks.
• Better sleep / body composition: CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin blend, 100-300 mcg subQ before bed for 8-12 weeks.
• Skin / hair: GHK-Cu, topically (0.05-0.2% cream) or 1-2 mg subQ daily for 8-12 weeks.
• Anxiety / focus: Selank or Semax intranasally for 4-6 weeks.
• Significant weight loss: A GLP-1 like Tirzepatide, with strict slow titration over 16+ weeks. Get a provider involved.

What to buy

• The peptide itself (lyophilized powder vial).
• Bacteriostatic water (or sterile saline for compounds that sting).
• U-100 insulin syringes, 29-31 gauge, 5/16″ or 1/2″ needle. Buy a 100-pack.
• Alcohol swabs.
• A sharps container for used syringes.

Storage basics

• Lyophilized (powder, before mixing): refrigerate at 2-8°C.
• Reconstituted (mixed): refrigerate, use within 28 days for most compounds.
• Don’t freeze reconstituted peptides — ice crystals damage them.
• Protect from light.

Bloodwork before you start

If you’re doing anything in the GH/IGF axis (CJC, Ipamorelin, HGH, IGF-1 LR3), get a baseline:

• IGF-1
• Fasting glucose & A1c
• Comprehensive metabolic panel
• Lipid panel

Recheck at 8-12 weeks. If you’re running TRT-related compounds (HCG, HMG), add total testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, and LH/FSH.

When to stop and call a provider

• Persistent injection site swelling, redness, or warmth (suggests infection)
• Heart palpitations or unusual rhythm
• Severe persistent nausea or vomiting
• Vision changes, severe headaches
• Any allergic-type reaction (hives, throat tightness, swelling)

Done with the basics? Read the glossary for terminology, the FAQ for common questions, or the blog for in-depth guides.