Welcome back to The Dr. Jones Optimization Academy Podcast! In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Dr. Elena Zinkov, a trailblazer in women’s health and a leader in personalized medicine. We dive into how peptide therapy can be used to address three of the most common concerns patients bring to functional and naturopathic physicians: pain, fatigue, and gut health.As founder of Proactive Health ND, Dr. Zinkov is transforming how women experience medicine. In this episode, we break down how she integrates peptides into care, what barriers exist to access and prescribing, and how she tracks outcomes with a therapeutic order that always starts with foundations.Whether you’re a patient curious about how peptides might help you, or a practitioner looking for insights into peptide integration, this episode is packed with clinical gems and real-life experience.✅ Why peptide therapy is not taught in medical school—and why that needs to change✅ How peptides work in the body and why they’re often safer than traditional medications✅ Which peptides Dr. Zinkov uses most often in real-world clinical scenarios✅ The biggest myths and misconceptions patients and practitioners have about peptides✅ How to think about peptides in the therapeutic order—and who should not be using them🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights on longevity, peptides, and women’s health! ⏳ Episode Chapters & Timestamps- Intro (00:00 - 03:12)- Dr. Zinkoff’s Journey into Longevity & Cellular Medicine (03:12 - 04:29)- Personal Health Story: Autoimmunity, Postpartum, and Peptides (04:29 - 09:05)- What Are Peptides and How Do They Work in the Body? (09:05 - 09:10)- Why Peptides Tend to Have Fewer Side Effects (09:10 - 12:19)- Barriers to Accessing Peptides as a Patient (12:19 - 13:15)- Barriers to Prescribing Peptides as a Practitioner (13:15 - 20:42)- The Problem with Research Peptides & Online Sources (20:42 - 25:36)- Who Benefits Most from Peptides? (25:36 - 29:50)- Who Should *Not* Be Using Peptides? (29:50 - 36:14)- The Big Three: Peptides for Pain, Fatigue, and Gut Health (Setup) (36:14 - 36:42)- Peptides for Pain (36:42 - 39:02)- Peptides for Fatigue (39:02 - 39:52)- Peptides for Gut Health (39:52 - 41:28)- Glutathione as a Peptide & Its Role in Pain & Inflammation (41:28 - 43:38)- TB-500 vs Thymosin Beta-4: What's the Difference? (43:38 - 45:30)- The Energy Puzzle: Sleep, Recovery, and Hormone Balance (45:30 - 46:40)- Myths & Misconceptions: Cancer, Steroids, and Misinformation (46:40 - 52:08)- Where to Find Dr. Zinkoff & Her Work (52:08 - 53:33) 🔗 Connect with Dr. Elena Zinkov🌐 Website: proactivehealthnd.com📸 Instagram: @drelenazinkov💬 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Drop a comment below!🚀 For more episodes on peptide therapy, women’s health, and longevity, hit that SUBSCRIBE button!Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Jones Optimization Podcast and its associated YouTube channel is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast or viewing its content does not create a doctor–patient relationship, and nothing shared should be interpreted as individualized medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen or managing a medical condition. The opinions expressed by Dr. Jones and his guests are their own and do not reflect official medical advice or recommendations