Does anyone have favorable experience with AOD-9604?

So my research subject has just started AOD. Well!..... It is the most painful ever when administering. It was mixed with acetic acid to stop it gelling. But boy, oh boy does it sting!! What can be done about it?

Did a podcast this morning and it reminded me about something important—there are so many new people in this space, especially those of you starting tirzepatide or retatrutide, who might be making critical mistakes without even realizing it. Let me share some context. I was lucky enough to get into tirzepatide NOT wanting to lose 70 lbs—I did that part before. I started tirzepatide to calm that overall food noise and stay at maintenance. I'm also the type of person who will do months of research and figure out everything about a peptide before I dive in. As part of that research, I already understood proper dieting and the dangers of putting yourself into too harsh of a deficit. So let me break this down for you: If you're feeling tired, nauseous, and can't eat—your dose is too high. Here's what's actually happening in your body when you push the dose too hard: GLP-1 agonists like tirzepatide work by slowing gastric emptying (how fast food leaves your stomach) and signaling satiety centers in your brain. When you dose too aggressively, you're essentially slamming the brakes on your entire digestive system. The nausea isn't just discomfort—it's your body telling you it can't process what's happening. Can't eat → You're losing muscle. When you're in a severe caloric deficit, your body doesn't just burn fat. It breaks down muscle tissue for amino acids through a process called gluconeogenesis—literally converting protein into glucose for energy. Muscle is metabolically expensive for your body to maintain, so when resources are scarce, it's one of the first things to go. And for those of you on tirzepatide specifically—this is even more pronounced. Tirzepatide is a dual agonist hitting GLP-1 and GIP receptors, but it has no glucagon receptor activity. Retatrutide, on the other hand, is a triple agonist that includes glucagon receptor activation. Why does this matter? Glucagon signaling helps mobilize fat for energy and has some muscle-sparing properties. Without that glucagon component, tirzepatide users need to be even MORE intentional about protein intake and resistance training to protect lean mass.

Just dropped a comprehensive breakdown on one of the most asked questions I get: "Do I need to run SS-31 before MOTS-c?" Covered: - How these peptides work at different levels - Why they're synergistic (and when they're not) - When SS-31 pre-treatment makes sense vs. when you can skip it - Real observations from the community on responders vs. non-responders - Practical protocols based on your age and health status This goes deep into the mechanisms and practical applications - probably one of the most detailed breakdowns I've done on peptide stacking strategy. Full content is only available on: 📖 Substack: https://derekpruski.substack.com/p/is-ss-31-necessary-before-running 💬 Community Discourse: https://community.peptideprice.store/t/is-ss-31-necessary-before-running-mots-c/1036 Head over there to read the full post and drop your questions/experiences in the comments. Would love to hear from people who've run both protocols. Building out more in-depth content on Substack and our independent community platform. If you're not already following there, now's a good time to join.

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.