Port Orchard Natural Medicine and Aesthetics

06/02/2026

Getting my Emsculpt Neo in🕺🏻

05/29/2026

Lots of talk about peptides today. Curious what everyone is thinking about these wellness options. Dr. Rachel and I are looking into several of these and will begin our personal studies shortly. 🥰

Peptides like BPC-157, MOTS-c, and TB-500 have become popular in regenerative medicine, sports recovery, longevity, and wellness circles. However, it’s important to separate the promising science from the marketing.

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157)

What it is:
A synthetic peptide derived from a protective protein found in gastric juice.

Commonly reported benefits:

* Tendon and ligament healing
* Muscle recovery
* Reduced inflammation
* Gut lining repair and ulcer support
* Potential nerve regeneration effects

What the science says:
Animal studies consistently show improved tendon, muscle, and wound healing. Human data remain limited, with only small studies and case series available. Large randomized human trials are still lacking.

Who is most interested in it?

* Athletes
* Patients recovering from orthopedic injuries
* Individuals with chronic tendonitis
* People exploring gut-healing protocols

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TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment)

What it is:
A synthetic fragment related to the naturally occurring peptide Thymosin Beta-4.

Proposed benefits:

* Accelerated soft tissue healing
* Reduced inflammation
* Enhanced cell migration
* Improved recovery from muscle strains
* Possible support for angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)

What the science says:
TB-500 is heavily discussed in sports medicine circles, but direct human evidence is very limited. Most supporting research comes from animal models or studies involving native Thymosin Beta-4 rather than TB-500 itself.

Why it’s often stacked with BPC-157:
Many clinicians and peptide users believe:

* BPC-157 acts more locally on tendons, ligaments, and gut tissue.
* TB-500 acts more systemically throughout the body.

This is largely based on mechanistic reasoning and anecdotal experience rather than robust clinical trials.

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MOTS-c

What it is:
A mitochondrial-derived peptide involved in cellular energy regulation.

Why longevity researchers are interested:
MOTS-c appears to:

* Improve insulin sensitivity
* Enhance glucose utilization
* Support metabolic flexibility
* Improve exercise performance in animal models
* Potentially mimic some exercise benefits

Potential applications being explored:

* Weight management
* Metabolic syndrome
* Healthy aging
* Exercise performance
* Longevity protocols

Most human research is still early-stage, but MOTS-c is one of the more interesting peptides in the longevity field because it directly targets mitochondrial signaling rather than simply stimulating growth hormone pathways.

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Other Popular Peptides in 2026

Peptide Main Interest
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Growth hormone optimization
Sermorelin Natural GH stimulation
GHK-Cu Skin, hair, and tissue repair
AOD-9604 Fat-loss support
SS-31 (Elamipretide) Mitochondrial function
KPV Gut inflammation support
Thymosin Alpha-1 Immune modulation
Tesamorelin Visceral fat reduction

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Current Reality in 2026

The strongest evidence-based peptides remain:

* GLP-1 medications such as Semaglutide
* Tirzepatide
* Tesamorelin
* Certain FDA-approved growth hormone–related peptides

For BPC-157, TB-500, and MOTS-c, the biological rationale is compelling, but high-quality human data remain limited and regulatory scrutiny has increased. Many experts describe them as promising experimental compounds rather than established therapies.

For your clinic, if you’re evaluating peptides for regenerative medicine, performance, and healthy aging, I’d place:

1. MOTS-c (metabolic/longevity)
2. BPC-157 (orthopedic/gut)
3. TB-500 (systemic healing)
4. GHK-Cu (skin and tissue repair)
5. Thymosin Alpha-1 (immune health)

among the most interesting non-GLP peptide categories currently being discussed.

Share your thought and experiences and have a blessed weekend🙏🏻

05/14/2026

Today’s the day the Tshape2 launch event. I’m looking forward to seeing everybody for their demos between 1 and 9 PM today.  we’re just finishing up our training this morning. We are very excited to bring this technology to the community. You’re going to love it.🥰💯🕺🏻

05/09/2026

GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide can be extremely effective for weight loss, blood sugar control, inflammation reduction, and appetite regulation. But one of the biggest mistakes people make while using them is undernourishing the body while losing weight.

A GLP-1 lowers appetite so effectively that many people unintentionally:

* Eat too little protein
* Become dehydrated
* Lose muscle mass
* Develop vitamin/mineral deficiencies
* Experience fatigue, hair loss, constipation, nausea, or weakness

That’s why proper supplementation is not “optional support” — it is often a critical part of protecting metabolism, muscle, hormones, and long-term outcomes.

Why supplementation matters on GLP-1s

1. Muscle preservation

Rapid weight loss without adequate protein can lead to loss of lean muscle mass instead of just fat.

This matters because muscle:

* Protects metabolism
* Supports insulin sensitivity
* Maintains strength and mobility
* Helps prevent rebound weight gain

A high-protein intake combined with resistance training is one of the most important strategies while on GLP-1 therapy.

General target:

* ~0.7–1.0 grams of protein per pound of ideal body weight daily

Common supportive options:

* Whey isolate
* Collagen peptides (supportive, but not a full protein replacement)
* Essential amino acids
* Creatine monohydrate

2. Electrolyte balance and hydration

GLP-1s commonly reduce thirst along with appetite. Add nausea or vomiting, and dehydration becomes very common.

Low electrolytes can contribute to:

* Fatigue
* Dizziness
* Headaches
* Muscle cramps
* Constipation
* Heart palpitations

Important electrolytes include:

* Sodium
* Potassium
* Magnesium

Hydration support is often one of the fastest ways to improve how patients feel on therapy.

3. Gastrointestinal support

Because GLP-1s slow gastric emptying, many users experience:

* Constipation
* Bloating
* Nausea
* Reflux

Helpful supports may include:

* Magnesium citrate or glycinate
* Fiber supplementation
* Digestive enzymes
* Probiotics
* Adequate fluid intake

4. Micronutrient support

When calorie intake drops dramatically, nutrient intake usually drops too.

Common deficiencies or insufficiencies can include:

* B vitamins
* Vitamin D
* Iron
* Magnesium
* Zinc

A quality multivitamin and targeted labs can help prevent long-term issues.

5. Hair loss prevention

Temporary hair shedding after rapid weight loss is common and is often tied to:

* Low protein intake
* Rapid caloric restriction
* Low iron/ferritin
* Zinc deficiency
* Physiologic stress

Supportive nutrients commonly discussed include:

* Protein
* Iron (when deficient)
* Zinc
* Biotin
* Collagen

6. Energy and metabolic support

Many patients eat so little that they become fatigued and weak.

The goal is not starvation — it’s metabolic improvement while maintaining health and function.

Proper nutrition helps:

* Maintain exercise capacity
* Preserve hormones
* Support thyroid function
* Improve recovery
* Sustain long-term success

Common “core stack” many clinicians use

This varies by patient, but commonly includes:

* High-quality protein powder
* Electrolyte formula
* Magnesium glycinate
* Omega-3 fish oil
* Multivitamin
* Fiber supplement
* Creatine monohydrate
* Vitamin D3/K2 (if needed)

The biggest misconception

Many people think:

“I’m eating less, so I’m healthier.”

But eating less is not automatically healthier if the body is undernourished.

The best GLP-1 outcomes happen when patients:

* Preserve muscle
* Stay hydrated
* Maintain nutrient intake
* Exercise regularly
* Lose fat slowly and strategically

That’s what helps produce sustainable body composition changes instead of just rapid scale loss.
🕺🏻🕺🏻🥰🥰

05/09/2026

Midnight hour new printer install with Liam.
Practice is never this quiet😜

05/07/2026

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

We have had a few new patients lately that were already on Glp1s from another source that have come to us for weight loss, the GLP1s they were receiving from their online/in person sources was ineffective, had extreme side effects and or was not even the real medicine ordered. This is serious stuff and I want to share with all of our patients some of the common scams out there. Our commitment to your health and well being is unwavering and we truly appreciate you allowing us to serve and lock arms with you on your wellness journey.

Some of these companies are the very ones being advertised on our tv channels, radios etc many with celebrity endorsements. I was shocked to see how many are currently under investigation for the above mentioned and more. In short be CAREFUL out there, if you have a question or concern ASK us anything and we will share what we do and do not know.

GLP-1 scams involving fake or unsafe weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are surging, driven by high demand and shortages. Common scams include fake online pharmacies, AI-generated celebrity endorsements, fraudulent texts claiming "eligibility," and non-delivery of products. These scams can steal money and personal information, or deliver harmful, unregulated substances.

GLP-1 online scams are rising, utilizing fake websites, unsolicited texts, and social media to sell counterfeit, watered-down, or non-existent weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Common scams include subscription traps, "pre-approved" prescription phishing, and selling dangerous "peptide" patches, often leading to financial loss, identity theft, or severe health risks.

Common GLP-1 Scam Tactics

Fake Online Pharmacies: Websites posing as legitimate pharmacies, often advertising heavily discounted GLP-1s, that require no prescription.
Unsolicited Texts/Emails: Messages claiming you are "pre-approved" for a prescription, designed to steal personal or payment information.
Subscription Traps: Charging a small membership fee followed by recurring, unauthorized, and massive charges ($600+) without delivering any product.
Missing Shipments: Offering products that never arrive or sending counterfeit or dangerous substances, such as unmarked vials, leading to adverse health events.
"Research Peptides": Selling non-FDA-approved substances marketed as "research purposes only" or "not for human consumption".
Red Flags to Watch ForNo Prescription Required: Legitimate GLP-1s are prescription-only.
"Miracle" Products: Ads for GLP-1 patches or "pink salt tricks" (not authorized products).Lack of Credibility: No physical U.S. address, no licensed pharmacist, and no valid phone number listed.

Key GLP-1 Scam Lawsuits & Actions (2025-2026)[FDA & FTC Crackdown (2026)]:

On March 3, 2026, the FDA sent warning letters to 30 telehealth firms for promoting compounded GLP-1s with false, misleading claims. In July 2025, the FTC accused telehealth provider NextMed of using fake testimonials, deceptive pricing, and failing to provide promised services, forcing a settlement and $150,000 payment.[Branded Manufacturer Lawsuits (2025-2026)]: Eli Lilly has initiated multiple lawsuits against telehealth companies (including Willow Health Services) for selling "compounded" drugs that are actually mass-produced or falsely advertised as authorized, often raising issues about safety, quality, and deceptive marketing.["Bootleg" Drug Lawsuits (2025)]: Connecticut's Attorney General sued Triggered Brand, a Florida-based company, for selling "research grade" GLP-1 peptides that are not FDA-approved, are potentially contaminated, and lack medical supervision.[Fake Product Class Actions (2025)]: A class action lawsuit was filed against Kind Patches Limited, alleging its "GLP-1 patches" are ineffective and falsely marketed as comparable to Ozempic to deceive consumers, despite rebranding to "Berberine Patches".Common Fraudulent Tactics"Ghost" Stores & Fake Sites: Scammers impersonate legitimate pharmacies, using stolen photos to sell unapproved, counterfeit products that may contain dangerous substances.No-Prescription Offers: Sites offering "research grade" or "laboratory grade" GLP-1s directly to consumers without a legitimate doctor's prescription are not FDA-approved and carry high safety risks, including incorrect dosages.Hidden Fees/No Delivery: Complaints show consumers paying for "membership programs" for medications that never arrive, or facing unexpected, recurring, and unauthorized charges.Tips for SafetyVerify the Pharmacy: Check if the online pharmacy is state-licensed using the FDA’s BeSafeRx site.Watch for Red Flags: Be cautious of websites that do not require a prescription, offer too-good-to-be-true discounts, or offer "research" products.

Be safe, be well.

05/03/2026

Menopause and Tirzepatide

The risk of developing obesity increases during the menopause transition, contributing to elevated cardiometabolic risk in women in midlife. Tirzepatide is the most effective obesity medication to date. Data on its efficacy in postmenopausal women and the potential modifying effect of menopause hormone therapy remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate whether use of hormone therapy enhances weight loss and cardiometabolic response to tirzepatide in postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity.
Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of data from the Mayo Clinic Health System on postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity treated with tirzepatide for ≥12 months. Women included were patients with overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) in the presence of an adiposity-related comorbidity or with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) irrespective of the presence of adiposity-related comorbidities and prescribed tirzepatide for weight management. Electronic health record data were extracted at baseline (±14 days from tirzepatide initiation) and at subsequent follow-up visits at months 3 (±30 days), 6 (±30), 9 (±30), 12 (±45), 15 (±45), and last follow-up. Women using systemic hormone therapy were propensity score matched (1:2) to non-users based on age, BMI, age at and type of menopause, previous obesity medication use, and diabetes status. The primary endpoint was the percentage of total bodyweight change at last follow-up. Secondary outcomes included percentage of total bodyweight change at predefined intervals, categorical weight loss thresholds, and changes in cardiometabolic parameters.
Findings

Between June 3, 2022, and May 25, 2024, 15 639 female individuals were identified and 120 were included. 40 postmenopausal women using hormone therapy were matched to 80 not using hormone therapy. Mean age was 56·4 years (SD 6·4) and 113 (94%) of 120 were White. The hormone therapy group lost more of their percentage bodyweight at last follow-up than the no hormone therapy group (–19·2% [SD 9·9, SE 1·6] vs –14·0% [SD 8·0, SE 0·9]; mean difference –5·2%, 95% CI 1·90–8·54, p=0·0023), with a higher proportion of women in the hormone therapy group reaching a total percentage bodyweight change of ≥20%, ≥25%, and ≥30%. Both groups had improvements in glycaemia, blood pressure, and concentration of liver enzymes, with additional reductions in diastolic pressure, and concentrations of triglycerides and aspartate aminotransferase in women using hormone therapy.
Interpretation

In postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity, concurrent use of hormone therapy was associated with greater weight loss and improved cardiometabolic outcomes during tirzepatide treatment. These findings suggest that hormone therapy might enhance the therapeutic effects of tirzepatide in this population. Prospective, randomised controlled trials with clinical (eg, weight loss) and mechanistic endpoints (eg, measurement of energy balance components) are needed to substantiate these observations, establish causality, and inform clinical decision making.

Funding

National Institutes of Health and Mayo Clinic Center for Women's Health Research.

05/02/2026

Let’s talk about testosterone therapy for women .

 Testosterone therapy for women is one of those topics that’s been quietly moving from “taboo” to “clinically useful”—but it still gets misunderstood a lot. Used appropriately, it can be a powerful tool; used loosely, it can create problems. The key is context, dosing, and patient selection.

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Why Testosterone Matters in Women

Women naturally produce testosterone (ovaries + adrenals), just at much lower levels than men. It plays a meaningful role in:

* Libido and sexual responsiveness
* Energy and motivation
* Lean muscle mass and fat distribution
* Bone density
* Cognitive sharpness and mood stability

Levels tend to decline with age, and more sharply after surgical menopause (oophorectomy).

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Where Testosterone Therapy Can Help

1. Sexual Health (Most Evidence-Based Use)

The strongest clinical backing is for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

* Improves libido, arousal, and satisfaction
* Often considered when estrogen therapy alone isn’t enough
* Supported by groups like the North American Menopause Society

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2. Energy, Mood, and Cognitive Drive

Many women report:

* Improved motivation and resilience
* Reduced “flat” or apathetic mood
* Better mental clarity

This is especially relevant in perimenopause/menopause or high-stress professionals.

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3. Body Composition & Physical Performance

Testosterone can support:

* Lean muscle preservation
* Reduced visceral fat
* Improved exercise recovery

Not a “weight loss drug,” but can complement lifestyle changes.

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4. Bone Health

There’s supportive evidence that testosterone contributes to:

* Bone density maintenance
* Synergy with estrogen in preventing osteoporosis

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Who Is a Good Candidate?

Generally:

* Women with documented symptoms + low or low-normal testosterone
* Postmenopausal women (natural or surgical)
* Women with persistent low libido despite optimized estrogen/progesterone

Less clear:

* Premenopausal women without clear deficiency
* Use purely for “optimization” without symptoms

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Delivery Methods

* Transdermal creams/gels (most common in the U.S.)
* Pellet therapy (longer-acting)
* Injections (used, but easier to overshoot levels and NOT biodentical)

No FDA-approved testosterone product specifically for women in the U.S., so most use is off-label.

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Risks & Side Effects (Dose-Dependent)

When levels get too high, you’ll see:

* Acne, oily skin
* Hirsutism (facial/body hair)
* Voice deepening (can be irreversible)
* Cl****al enlargement (rare but possible)
* Lipid changes (↓ HDL)

That’s why tight monitoring matters.

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Lab & Monitoring Strategy

Typically:

* Baseline total testosterone, SHBG, +/- free testosterone
* Recheck 6–12 weeks after starting
* Keep levels in physiologic female range (not “low male”)

Clinically, symptom improvement matters as much as the number.

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The Bigger Picture (What Actually Works Best)

Testosterone therapy works best when it’s part of a broader hormone strategy:

* Estrogen optimization (especially for vaginal/urogenital health)
* Progesterone (if uterus present)
* Thyroid and cortisol balance
* Lifestyle: resistance training, protein intake, sleep

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Real-World Clinical Insight

Where I see it shine most:

* High-functioning women who suddenly feel “off” in their 40s–50s
* Post-hysterectomy/oophorectomy patients
* Women frustrated after being told “labs are normal” but clearly symptomatic

Where it fails:

* Poor dosing
*Treating numbers instead of symptoms
* Ignoring the rest of the hormonal ecosystem

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Bottom Line

Testosterone therapy for women isn’t about turning women into men—it’s about restoring a hormone that plays a legitimate role in female physiology.

Used correctly, it can meaningfully improve:

* Libido
* Energy
* Mood
* Body composition

But it requires precision, restraint, and monitoring.