Bloodwork isn't optional if you're serious about peptide research—it's essential. How do you know what's actually working without data? How do you track thyroid function, hormones, metabolic health, or inflammation markers? You can't optimize what you don't measure. After the holidays when I'm back in Denver, I'm running this comprehensive panel. I always recommend going through your doctor and insurance first—but let's be real, standard panels rarely give you the full picture you need as a biohacker. That's why I've been using AlgoRx for my last two rounds of labs. Their Basic Male Panel covers everything that matters: ✅ Complete hormone panel (Total & Free Test, E2, SHBG, IGF-1, DHEA-S, FSH, LH, Prolactin) ✅ Thyroid function (TSH, Free T3, Free T4) ✅ Metabolic markers (Glucose, Insulin, HbA1c) ✅ Full lipid panel ✅ Complete blood count ✅ Liver & kidney function ✅ Nutrient status This is the baseline you need before starting any protocol, and the data you track during to know what's actually moving the needle. You can also build your own test by test with the build your own panel which I like if you'd only want to check IGF-1. Don't research in the dark. Get your bloodwork done. 👉 Code Derek saves 10% 👉 Male Panel: https://algorx.ai/lab-packages/basic-male-panel-quest?ref=DEREKPRUSKI 👉 Female Panel: https://algorx.ai/lab-packages/intermediate-female-quest?ref=DEREKPRUSKI 👉 Build Your Own Panel: https://algorx.ai/biomarkers?ref=DEREKPRUSKI Questions? Drop them below. 👇

Who this is for: - Anyone currently researching ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Tesamorelin, or any GH secretagogue - People planning their first peptide research cycle and wondering about the off period - Researchers who think "more is better" and never cycle off - Anyone nervous about what happens when they stop What you'll learn: ✅ Week-by-week breakdown of what to expect (energy, sleep, recovery, body comp) ✅ Why receptor desensitization ISN'T the real reason to cycle (despite what everyone says) ✅ The actual mechanism that matters: chronic IGF-1 elevation and what it means long-term ✅ How lifestyle factors (training, cardio, diet) protect you—and when they're not enough ✅ Exact bloodwork markers to track and testing frequency (quarterly vs. bi-annual) ✅ Data-driven cycling protocols based on YOUR numbers, not generic advice The hard truth: Most people researching GH secretagogues have never checked their IGF-1 levels. They don't know if they're at 250 or 450. They're making decisions blind. This article breaks down the science, the timeline, and the practical protocols—no BS, just data on what actually happens when you come off. 👉 Read the full breakdown here: https://open.substack.com/pub/derekpruski/p/what-to-expect-when-cycling-off-gh?r=4jq1x8&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Drop questions below after reading. Let's talk real protocols based on real bloodwork. 📊

A lot of you have been asking about AHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) for hair loss, so let's dive deep into the mechanisms and why this compound is getting so much attention in the hair restoration space. What is AHK-Cu? AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper peptide (copper tripeptide-1) that's been extensively studied for wound healing and tissue regeneration. The "Cu" refers to the copper ion that's bound to the peptide sequence, which is critical for its biological activity. Mechanisms of Action for Hair Regrowth 1. DHT Inhibition AHK-Cu has been shown to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the primary hormone responsible for androgenic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness). By blocking this conversion at the scalp level, you're addressing one of the root causes. 2. Follicle Stem Cell Stimulation Copper peptides stimulate hair follicle stem cells and promote the transition from telogen (resting phase) to anagen (growth phase). This means dormant follicles can potentially be reactivated and existing growth cycles can be extended. 3. Increased Blood Flow & Angiogenesis The copper component promotes angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) in the scalp, which improves nutrient and oxygen delivery to hair follicles. Better blood flow = healthier follicles = better growth. 4. Collagen & Elastin Production AHK-Cu stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, which strengthens the dermal papilla and extracellular matrix surrounding hair follicles. This creates a more supportive environment for robust hair growth. 5. Anti-Inflammatory Effects Chronic inflammation is a lesser-known contributor to hair loss. Copper peptides have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce scalp inflammation and create a healthier environment for follicles to thrive. 6. Antioxidant Activity By scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in the scalp, AHK-Cu helps protect follicle cells from damage that can lead to premature hair loss.

Alright, let's talk about something that doesn't get discussed enough: that weird "feel worse before feeling better" phenomenon some RSs experience with SS-31 (Elamipretide). One would think a mitochondrial peptide would make an RS feel like Superman from day one, right? More mitochondrial efficiency = more energy = let's gooo! But here's what's actually happening... The Mitochondrial "Spring Cleaning" Effect SS-31 doesn't just make mitochondria work better - it literally helps the body identify and clear out the damaged, dysfunctional mitochondria that have been limping along. Think of it like this: The body has been running a factory with 100 machines. Maybe 40 of them are barely functional - smoking, sputtering, producing more waste than product. But hey, they're still contributing something to total energy output. Then SS-31 comes in like a new efficiency consultant and says "These 40 machines are actually COSTING more than they're producing. Time to shut them down and rebuild." What This Looks Like In Research Subjects: - Increased autophagy/mitophagy = the body is actively breaking down damaged mitochondria - Temporary energy deficit = just shut down 40% of the (admittedly crappy) energy production - Metabolic shifting = cells are reorganizing how they produce ATP - Possible "herx-like" reaction = all that cellular cleanup creates metabolic byproducts The Timeline: Most RSs report this sluggish phase lasting anywhere from 3-10 days. Some RSs don't experience it at all (lucky). But for those who do? It can feel like moving through molasses. What May Help: - Lower starting dose - perhaps starting at 2.5mg instead of 5mg - Support mitochondrial biogenesis - ensuring adequate B vitamins, CoQ10, magnesium - Hydration - helps flush metabolic byproducts - Light movement - not going hard, but not being completely sedentary either - Patience - this is actually a sign the peptide is WORKING The Payoff: Once the body clears out the damaged mitochondria and starts building fresh, efficient ones? That's when RSs report the real SS-31 benefits - sustained energy, better recovery, mental clarity, the works.

Just a heads up so nobody gets confused - Peptira is preemptively renaming SS-31 to MTP-31 to avoid any C&D drama. What's Happening Peptira saw where this was headed with all the cease and desist letters going out, so they're getting ahead of it. Smart move honestly. The compound is exactly the same - just has a new name: MTP-31 You can see the change live on their site here: https://peptira.com/product/mtp31/?ref=Derek Use code DEREK at checkout. For PeptidePrice Users On PeptidePrice.store, it'll still show up as SS-31 so you can easily compare it across vendors. I'm tracking all these name changes as they happen. Compare prices by the real compound name: https://peptideprice.store My Take Expect more vendors to follow suit with their own renaming schemes. This is just the beginning of the SS-31/MTP-31/whatever-it-gets-called-next era. If you see a new peptide code pop up at your favorite vendor, it might just be SS-31 in disguise. I'll keep tracking these changes so you don't have to guess what's what. 👍