Women’s Hormone Optimization & Peptide Therapy for Healthy Aging
Safety First
This information is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualized medical care. All therapies, including hormone and peptide therapy, should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare provider after appropriate evaluation and laboratory testing.
The Big Picture
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), while also providing bone protection. Treatment should always be individualized based on the patient’s age, time since menopause, and risk profile.
Peptide therapies are emerging as adjunctive tools in metabolic and anti-aging medicine, though many remain experimental and are not FDA-approved for general human use.
Core Hormones in Women’s Optimization
1. Estrogens (17β-estradiol)
Primary female sex hormones that regulate reproductive and systemic health. Support mood, skin, cognition, bone, and cardiovascular health.
Routes:
– Transdermal: patch, gel, or spray — lower risk of clotting than oral.
– Oral: convenient, but higher hepatic impact.
– Vaginal: effective for local GSM symptoms.
2. Progesterone
Protects the endometrium when systemic estrogen is used. Supports sleep and mood. Micronized oral progesterone or LNG-IUD are common options.
3. Testosterone (in women)
Supports libido, mood, and energy. Should be prescribed only for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) with levels kept within female physiological range.
4. DHEA (Prasterone)
Used as intravaginal therapy for dyspareunia related to menopause. Not recommended as a systemic anti-aging supplement.
5. Thyroid Hormones (T4/T3)
Regulate metabolism and energy. Only indicated in true hypothyroidism confirmed by lab testing. Overuse increases cardiovascular and bone risks.
6. Growth Hormone / IGF-1 Axis
Supports muscle and skin integrity. GH therapy should only be used for confirmed GH deficiency. Tesamorelin is approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, not general weight loss.
7. Cortisol, Prolactin, and Melatonin
Cortisol regulates stress and metabolism; excess accelerates aging. Melatonin supports sleep and circadian rhythm; prolactin imbalance can disrupt menstrual cycles.
Peptide Therapy Overview
Peptides are amino acid chains that act as biological messengers. While some are FDA-approved for specific conditions, many marketed for “anti-aging” remain unapproved and may vary in purity and legality.
FDA-Approved Peptides Relevant to Women’s Health
| Peptide | Approved Indication | Dosing Highlights | Notes / Risks |
| Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) | HSDD in premenopausal women | 1.75 mg SC ≥45 min before sexual activity, ≤8 doses/month | Nausea, flushing, transient BP increase |
| Tesamorelin (Egrifta) | HIV-associated lipodystrophy | 2 mg SC daily | Injection site reactions, glucose elevation |
Common Peptides Marketed for Anti-Aging (Not FDA-Approved)
Examples include Sermorelin, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, BPC-157, Thymosin Alpha-1, GHK-Cu, and MOTS-c. These have varying mechanisms such as promoting GH release, tissue repair, or mitochondrial support, but human data are limited and long-term safety is unestablished.
Clinical Approach to Hormone and Peptide Optimization
- Assessment: Comprehensive history, labs (CBC, CMP, lipids, thyroid, sex hormones).
- Treatment: Start low, titrate slow; individualize route and dose.
- Monitoring: Follow-up every 3–6 months for efficacy, labs, and side effects.
Lifestyle Optimization
- – Nutrition: Mediterranean or protein-forward diet.
- – Exercise: Strength training and aerobic activity.
- – Sleep: 7–9 hours nightly, good hygiene.
- – Stress management: Mindfulness, CBT, or meditation.
Key Takeaways
- – MHT is the gold standard for menopausal symptom relief.
- – Peptide therapy is promising but largely experimental outside FDA-approved uses.
- – Always individualize therapy, use FDA-approved products when possible, and ensure ongoing monitoring.