Huberman LabPeptide & Hormone Therapies for Health, Performance & Longevity | Dr. Craig Koniver
CHAPTERS
- 0:00 – 8:40
Peptides 101, GLP‑1 Agonists, and the Landscape of Performance Medicine
Huberman introduces Dr. Craig Koniver and frames peptides as a middle ground between nutrition/supplements and full hormone replacement. They define peptides, outline the explosion in GLP‑1 agonist use (semaglutide, tirzepatide) from diabetes into weight loss, and discuss off‑label prescribing and the context of America’s chronic disease and obesity burden.
- 8:40 – 29:30
GLP‑1 Microdosing: Weight Loss, Muscle Preservation, and Inflammation
They examine the polarized narratives around GLP‑1 agonists: miracle drugs vs. dependency traps. Koniver explains his microdosing approach with compounded tirzepatide, his rule of ≤2 pounds per week of loss to avoid muscle wasting, and the synergistic role of exercise and protein. They also review emerging observations about GLP‑1’s effects on inflammation and autoimmunity.
- 29:30 – 43:40
BPC‑157: Systemic Repair, FDA Ban, and PDA as a Successor
The conversation turns to BPC‑157, once a workhorse peptide in Koniver’s practice for systemic anti‑inflammation and tissue repair. He details its effects on joints, gut, and connective tissue, the rationale for subcutaneous rather than local injections, and the lack of notable side effects. They then cover the FDA’s October 2023 crackdown and Koniver’s move to PDA (Penta‑DCA arginate) as a near‑analog replacement.
- 43:40 – 59:30
Safety, Sourcing, and the Role of Compounding Pharmacies
Huberman raises serious concerns about gray‑market peptide vendors that label products “not for human use.” Koniver explains how compounding pharmacies differ—from regulatory oversight to endotoxin testing—and why some patients have had life‑threatening reactions to research chemicals. They also distinguish compounded peptides and hormones from truly black‑market anabolic steroids.
- 59:30 – 1:25:10
Growth Hormone Secretagogues: Sleep, Fat Loss, and Performance
They explore growth hormone biology and how peptide secretagogues can enhance endogenous GH pulses without exogenous hormone. Koniver contrasts ipamorelin, GHRP‑6, hexarelin, sermorelin, and tesamorelin, emphasizing goal‑specific selection and conservative dosing to avoid rare but real risks like anaphylaxis with overshooting.
- 1:25:10 – 1:48:00
Methylated B Vitamins, CoQ10, Methylene Blue, and Mitochondrial Support
They zoom out from peptides into foundational metabolic support, focusing on mitochondria. Koniver explains the electron transport chain in practical terms and how specific nutrients feed different complexes. He highlights CoQ10, methylated B vitamins for homocysteine control, and methylene blue as a cognitive and mitochondrial enhancer that also acts as a mild MAOI and antiviral.
- 1:48:00 – 2:17:20
Pinealon, Glycine, and Deep Sleep Architecture
Huberman shares his own striking experience with pinealon plus glycine: roughly doubling his REM sleep duration without sedation, with benefits that carry into non‑use nights. Koniver discusses pinealon as a pineal bioregulator, its pairing with glycine for inhibitory neurotransmission and liver detox, and how it compares to other sleep agents, including DORA‑class pharmaceuticals that failed for Huberman.
- 2:17:20 – 2:47:20
NAD: IV Loading, SubQ Protocols, and Transformational Clinical Effects
They deep dive on NAD as a central mitochondrial and signaling molecule. Koniver recounts the history of NAD infusions in addiction treatment and his optimization of dosing to 750 mg infusions and a 5‑in‑10‑days loading protocol. He reports consistent, often dramatic improvements in mood, cognition, and energy, then explains monthly maintenance and subcutaneous alternatives for cost and access.
- 2:47:20 – 3:05:10
FDA Crackdowns, Pharma Incentives, and Patient Self‑Advocacy
Huberman presses Koniver on the recent FDA bans of many peptides and the possibility of pharma repackaging them into expensive drugs. Koniver believes there is both legitimate safety/regulatory concern and significant financial incentive. They argue that while pharmaceuticals are lifesaving in acute care, the chronic disease system is failing, and individuals must become informed advocates rather than passive recipients.
- 3:05:10
Mindset, Time With Patients, and Positivity as a Health Multiplier
In closing, they set molecules aside and address the human element. Koniver describes leaving insurance‑based seven‑minute visits to build a practice that focuses on helping patients feel better fast, build trust, and then work on deeper behavioral and mindset changes. He argues that no good ever comes from negative thinking and that choosing positive interpretations and purposes is the most scalable and enduring health strategy.
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