Huberman Lab Podcast Summary
Episode: Dr. Craig Conover: Peptide & Hormone Therapies for Health, Performance & Longevity
Release Date: October 7, 2024
Introduction
In this engaging episode of the Huberman Lab podcast, host Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford School of Medicine, welcomes Dr. Craig Conover, a medical doctor specializing in performance medicine. Dr. Conover brings his expertise in peptide and hormone therapies aimed at enhancing mental and physical health, performance, and longevity.
Overview of Peptide Therapies
Dr. Craig Conover introduces peptides as small proteins composed of amino acid chains (40 or fewer amino acids). He emphasizes their vast presence in the human body, with around 300,000 naturally occurring peptides performing various roles. Therapeutically, approximately 150 peptides have been utilized over the years to activate multiple pathways in the brain and body, enhancing health without disrupting endogenous hormone production.
Dr. Conover [09:36]: "This is blossoming, we've been using peptides for about eight years, a long time, but still very early in our understanding of how best to use peptides and how clinically we're going to get the most out of them."
GLP1 Agonists: Usage, Benefits, and Controversies
The discussion delves into GLP1 agonists like Semaglutide (Ozempic) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes by improving glucose control. Notably, weight loss emerged as a significant side effect, leading to off-label use and eventual FDA approval for obesity treatment.
Dr. Conover advocates for the controlled microdosing of GLP1 agonists to mitigate side effects such as muscle loss, achieved by combining them with resistance training and other peptides.
Dr. Conover [12:04]: "If I can help people lose weight first, literally by using something like Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, and I've seen this, they're now excited. ... peptides can augment specific hormone pathways."
He also highlights unexpected benefits beyond weight loss, including cognitive improvements and reduced inflammation in autoimmune conditions.
Dr. Conover [17:27]: "We’re seeing cognitive benefits, we’re seeing inflammation benefits. A lot of people with autoimmune disease... their antibody levels come down."
BPC157: Uses, Clinical Observations, and FDA Regulations
BPC157 (Body Protection Compound 157) is discussed as a peptide with strong anti-inflammatory properties, accelerating wound healing and reducing pain in joints and muscles. Dr. Conover shares his clinical experiences, noting significant improvements in patients' inflammation and recovery times.
However, regulatory changes have impacted the availability of BPC157. The FDA recently re-approved CJC 1295, Ipamorelin, and Thymosin Beta Alpha, restoring their prescription status after a temporary ban.
Dr. Conover [36:10]: "These compounding pharmacies are highly regulated... they have to be sterile, tested by an outside lab to make sure purity, make sure that there's no endotoxins."
In place of BPC157, Penta-Deca Arginate (PDA) has emerged as a substitute, offering similar anti-inflammatory and healing benefits.
Dr. Conover [43:20]: "We’re using PDA... seems very close to BPC in the clinical responses we’re getting from our patients."
Growth Hormone Secretagogues: Types, Uses, and Protocols
The conversation shifts to growth hormone secretagogues—peptides that stimulate the body's endogenous production of growth hormone. Key peptides discussed include:
- Ipamorelin: Aimed at increasing growth hormone without significantly affecting appetite.
- Tesamorelin & Sermorelin: Used for visceral fat reduction and enhancing growth hormone release.
- Hexarelin: Promotes energy and endurance without appetite stimulation.
Dr. Conover explains dosing protocols, typically recommending 100 micrograms of Ipamorelin injected subcutaneously at bedtime, five days a week with two days off, to align with natural growth hormone pulses.
Dr. Conover [45:24]: "A good starting dose is 250 micrograms to 500 micrograms... Monday through Friday, take the weekends off."
He emphasizes combining these peptides with lifestyle practices like resistance training and adequate protein intake to maximize benefits and minimize muscle loss.
NAD Therapy: Clinical Experiences and Benefits
NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) therapy is highlighted for its transformative effects on energy, mood, and recovery. Dr. Conover shares clinical observations where NAD infusions have rapidly improved patients' conditions, particularly in post-COVID recovery and chronic fatigue.
He describes protocols involving a loading dose of 750 mg intravenously over two hours, followed by maintenance doses once a month.
Dr. Conover [116:05]: "We did the loading dose of NAD, which we came up with five treatments in 10 days... people’s brains are getting bigger, they feel more creative, they have an elevated mood."
The discussion touches on the challenges of sourcing quality NAD and the importance of administering it under medical supervision to avoid adverse effects like nausea or blood pressure spikes.
Methylene Blue: Increasing REM Sleep and Clinical Observations
Methylene Blue, an FDA-approved drug historically used for treating methemoglobinemia and carbon monoxide poisoning, is discussed for its novel use in enhancing REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Dr. Huberman shares personal experiences with injectable Pinealin (a peptide) combined with Methylene Blue, noting a significant increase in REM sleep duration.
Dr. Conover [87:02]: "Methylene blue... an oxygenator. That's how I think of it."
Dr. Conover explains that Methylene Blue interacts with mitochondrial enzymes to enhance cellular respiration, thereby improving overall mitochondrial function and sleep quality.
Safety Concerns and Sourcing of Peptides
The episode underscores the critical importance of sourcing peptides from reputable, FDA-regulated compounding pharmacies to ensure purity and safety. Dr. Conover warns against obtaining peptides from unregulated gray or black market sources, which may contain harmful contaminants like LPS (lipopolysaccharides).
Dr. Conover [29:07]: "A lot of illegitimacy out there."
He advocates for working with board-certified physicians to navigate peptide therapies safely and effectively.
Market and FDA Regulations: Impact on Peptide Accessibility
Dr. Conover discusses the FDA's regulatory stance on various peptides, noting recent re-approvals and ongoing restrictions. He expresses concerns that rising pharmaceutical interests may restrict access to beneficial peptides by pushing out compounding options, making therapies prohibitively expensive for many.
Dr. Conover [132:59]: "I think the pharmaceutical companies are greedy. I think they like making money. ... they probably went too far."
He emphasizes the necessity of physicians educating themselves and maintaining access to safe peptide therapies amidst evolving regulations.
General Perspective on Medicine and Health
The episode concludes with a broader discussion on the state of modern medicine, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that integrates peptide therapies with lifestyle modifications. Dr. Conover advocates for positive mindset shifts as foundational to health, aligning with scientific insights on neuroimmunology and mental well-being.
Dr. Conover [145:06]: "The more positive I am, the more I can influence other people's and plant seeds and help people be more positive."
He highlights the role of physicians in fostering trust and guiding patients through personalized health strategies that extend beyond traditional pharmaceutical interventions.
Notable Quotes
-
Dr. Conover [09:36]: "This is blossoming, we've been using peptides for about eight years, a long time, but still very early in our understanding of how best to use peptides and how clinically we're going to get the most out of them."
-
Dr. Conover [12:04]: "If I can help people lose weight first, literally by using something like Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, and I've seen this, they're now excited. ... peptides can augment specific hormone pathways."
-
Dr. Conover [17:27]: "We’re seeing cognitive benefits, we’re seeing inflammation benefits. A lot of people with autoimmune disease... their antibody levels come down."
-
Dr. Conover [36:10]: "These compounding pharmacies are highly regulated... they have to be sterile, tested by an outside lab to make sure purity, make sure that there's no endotoxins."
-
Dr. Conover [43:20]: "We’re using PDA... seems very close to BPC in the clinical responses we’re getting from our patients."
-
Dr. Conover [145:06]: "The more positive I am, the more I can influence other people's and plant seeds and help people be more positive."
Conclusion
This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of peptide and hormone therapies, highlighting their potential benefits in enhancing health and performance. Dr. Craig Conover shares valuable clinical insights, emphasizing the importance of safe sourcing, personalized medical supervision, and integrating these therapies with positive lifestyle practices. The conversation also critically examines regulatory challenges, advocating for a balanced approach that protects patient safety while ensuring access to effective treatments.
For more detailed insights and protocols discussed in this episode, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast, visit the Huberman Lab website, and consult with healthcare professionals specializing in peptide therapies.