Peptide & Hormone Therapies for Health, Performance & Longevity | Dr. Craig Koniver

In “Peptide & Hormone Therapies for Health, Performance & Longevity,” Dr. Craig Koniver delivers an in-depth examination of targeted biological interventions designed to optimize human physiology. Drawing from more than 15 years of clinical experience in integrative and anti-aging medicine, he introduces peptide classes—short chains of amino acids—and endogenous hormones that can be administered to restore or enhance cellular function. Dr. Koniver begins by outlining the fundamental mechanisms of action: growth hormone–releasing peptides (e.g., Sermorelin, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin) stimulate the pituitary to secrete human growth hormone (hGH), promoting protein synthesis, muscle growth, lipolysis, and improved sleep quality. He contrasts these with direct hGH analogues and emphasizes the importance of pulsatile release patterns to minimize desensitization and adverse effects such as edema or insulin resistance. Next, he shifts focus to insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), highlighting its downstream role in mediating many of hGH’s anabolic effects. Dr. Koniver reviews clinical data showing enhanced muscle repair, neuroprotection, and potential cognitive benefits. He cautions, however, that indiscriminate IGF-1 elevation may bear oncogenic risks, underscoring the need for precise dosing and regular biomarker monitoring. The discussion then turns to specialized regenerative peptides, including BPC-157 and TB-500, which demonstrate potent tissue-healing properties in preclinical models. Dr. Koniver shares case studies where athletes achieved accelerated tendon and ligament repair, often avoiding surgical interventions. He also covers Thymosin Beta-4’s immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory benefits, noting its emerging role in cardiovascular recovery. Safety and protocol design are recurring themes. Dr. Koniver outlines a typical patient workup—comprehensive hormone panels, IGF-1 levels, liver and kidney function tests—and advocates for tailoring regimens to age, sex, fitness goals, and underlying pathology. He addresses potential side effects (e.g., water retention, joint pain) and explains mitigation strategies, such as cycling therapies, adjunctive peptides to support detoxification, and lifestyle measures including nutrition and exercise. Finally, Dr. Koniver situates peptide and hormone therapies within a broader longevity framework. He explores evidence linking optimized growth hormone and peptide signaling to enhanced mitochondrial function, reduced cellular senescence, and improved metabolic flexibility. While acknowledging that long-term outcome studies remain limited, he anticipates that ongoing research will validate these modalities as pillars of precision medicine. Overall, the video provides a balanced, scientifically grounded roadmap for clinicians and health enthusiasts interested in leveraging peptide and hormone protocols to maximize performance, support recovery, and potentially extend healthspan.