99: Thinking About Peptide Therapy or GLP-1s? A Physician’s Safety Checklist for Women in Perimenopause & Menopause
Hormones, Metabolism & You!Show Notes
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What if peptides and GLP-1s are not the problem, but the internet hype is making it impossible to know what is actually safe, effective, and worth your money?
In this episode of Hormones, Metabolism, and You, Dr. Cassie Smith sits down with Greg Jones, NMD to cut through the confusion around peptides, GLP-1s, microdosing, stacking, and the next wave of weight loss medications. Dr. Jones explains why lifestyle is the foundation (there is no magic shot), outlines red flags for online prescribing and questionable sourcing, and compares newer multi-agonists like retatrutide with semaglutide and tirzepatide. You will also learn how to manage common issues like nausea, reflux, constipation, fatigue, and plateaus, and why safety-first, individualized care with proper monitoring matters most.
Key Takeaways
Healing and body composition start with the foundation: nutrition, hydration, sleep, and resistance training
Peptides fall into different categories: some affect feedback loops and require more monitoring, others are used more directly by the body
GLP-1 dosing should be individualized; aggressive titration increases side effects and long-term risks
Retatrutide is a triple agonist (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon) and may increase energy expenditure, but appetite and food noise can vary by person
Side effects often improve when diet, alcohol intake, and hydration are addressed
Weight loss should be gradual to help preserve lean mass and reduce skin laxity issues
Exit strategies should be personalized: taper dose, extend dosing intervals, and keep the habits in place
When the shots go away, the habits need to stay
Episode Highlights
Why the foundation matters: “trash in, trash out” and why sleep plus strength training drive long-term results
Red flag checklist for online prescribing: no labs, no check-ins, “not for human use” labeling, and three-month scripts with no monitoring
What to monitor with GLP-1s and related therapies, including why baseline labs matter
Retatrutide vs tirzepatide vs semaglutide: what is different, what is promising, and what is still evolving
Real-world GLP-1 troubleshooting: reflux, constipation, fatigue, nausea, and why microdosing can change tolerance
Why plateaus happen and how to adjust safely without overcorrecting
Who is at highest risk for muscle loss during fat loss and how to protect lean mass in midlife
Growth-hormone-related peptides explained: CJC-1295, ipamorelin, tesamorelin, and what realistic goals look like
Why “stacks” can be risky, when combinations may be acceptable, and why dosing flexibility matters
Lightning round: the biggest plateau driver, perimenopause myths, and the single best habit for preserving muscle
Connect with Greg Jones, NMD🌐 Website: https://enovativewellness.com/dr-greg-jones/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgregjones/
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