In this episode of On The Ascent: Health, Dr. Laura returns for Part 2 of her conversation with Justin Penny of Gameday Men’s Health — this time diving into one of the most talked-about areas in performance medicine: peptide therapy.

While peptides are often associated with men’s optimization, the truth is that women are seeking them out too — for recovery, gut health, libido, sleep, and longevity. Justin breaks down what peptides are, how they work at a cellular level, and why they’re becoming so popular among active adults who want to feel better, heal faster, and age stronger.

Together, Dr. Laura and Justin cover:

Peptides 101

• What peptides are and how they “unlock” cellular function

• Why aging cells become less responsive — and how peptides help

• Safety, dosing, and what injections are actually like

Popular Peptides and What They Do

• CJC/Ipamorelin and Sermorelin for boosting natural growth hormone

• BPC-157 and TB-500 for injury recovery, tissue repair, and post-surgical healing

• GHK-Cu for skin, collagen, and wound healing

• PT-141 for women’s libido and sexual motivation

• Melanotan II (the tanning peptide) and why people use it

• Dihexa for cognitive support and neurological function

Who Peptides Help

• Women with gut issues, fatigue, or chronic injuries

• Athletes wanting faster recovery

• Post-operative patients preparing for or healing from surgery

• Anyone already doing “most things right” wanting the extra 10%

• Women seeking libido support without hormones

What Peptides Cannot Do

• They’re not magic

• Foundational habits still matter

• Peptides work best when sleep, nutrition, stress, and movement are dialed in

Additional topics include:

• Oral vs injection BPC-157

• Why the internet is the “Wild West” for peptides

• Why Gameday’s medical oversight and lab testing matter for safety

• Real patient stories and surprising results

This episode is a clear, practical look at peptide therapy — perfect for anyone curious about safe, medically supervised tools for recovery, anti-aging, gut health, libido, or overall vitality.

Find Gameday Men’s Health
Website: https://gamedaymenshealth.com/anchorage-ak/
Instagram: @gamedayanchorage

Produced by Ascent Health & Performance in Anchorage, Alaska.
Helping people stay strong, active, and adventurous for life.
More episodes and resources: https://ascentak.com/podcast/