Peptides for Women

Welcome back to Peptides for Women podcast!

Today’s episode is extra special because I’m joined by my friend, former coach, and powerhouse in the fitness and wellness industry Kayla Johnson.

Kayla’s journey through perimenopause and her discovery of peptide therapy is one that will inspire you, challenge you, and give you permission to explore new tools for your own health. From running spin studios in Santa Barbara to navigating the frustrations of perimenopause weight gain, Kayla gets real about what it means to keep showing up... and how microdosing GLP-1s changed everything for her!

In this episode, we break down:

• Kayla’s Fitness to Midlife Transition

• How she stumbled across GLP-1 research through brain health studies

• Rejecting the stigma: why women shouldn’t apologize for wanting to feel good in their bodies

• Shifting from cardio obsession to strength training and patience

• Why peptides are not a “magic shot” but a tool alongside the work

• Embracing biohacking as a way to support longevity, not shortcut it

Connect with Kayla Johnson!

• Website: ⁠https://www.kaylajohnsonfitness.com/⁠
• Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kaylajohnsonfitness/

Links & Resources:

• 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz
• 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

‼️Disclaimer‼️

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.

Welcome back to Peptides for Women podcast!

In today's episode, we’re talking about three major benefits you can get from using a GLP-1s beyond weight loss. You’ll see that GLP-1s can help regulate your blood sugar, calm inflammation, and support your liver so you feel better day-to-day.

BENEFIT #1: Better Glucose & Insulin Regulation

• How GLP-1s slow gastric emptying, which means steadier blood sugar after meals
• The impact on insulin sensitivity and long-term metabolic health

BENEFIT #2: Lower Inflammation

• My personal story: how tirzepatide helped relieve my hip pain and plantar fasciitis
• What the research is showing about inflammation markers improving on GLP-1 therapy

BENEFIT #3: Improved Liver Health

• How GLP-1s can lower liver enzymes like ALT, AST, and GGT
• The link between fatty liver, perimenopause, and insulin resistance
• What early research says about GLP-1s as a potential therapy for NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)

🔗 Resources:

1.⁠ Effects of semaglutide on beta cell function and glycaemic control in participants with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial —  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28526920/

2. Changes in Glucose Metabolism and Glycemic Status With Once-Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide 2.4 mg Among Participants With Prediabetes in the STEP Program — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35724304/

3. Weight Loss-Independent Effect of Liraglutide on Insulin Sensitivity in Individuals With Obesity and Prediabetes — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37874653/

4. Impact of semaglutide on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein: exploratory patient-level analyses of SUSTAIN and PIONEER randomized clinical trials — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36056351/

5. Effects of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg on C-reactive protein in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1, 2, and 3): Exploratory analyses of three randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36467859/

6. GLP-1 alleviates NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent inflammation in perivascular adipose tissue by inhibiting the NF-κB signalling pathway — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33641439/

7. A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Subcutaneous Semaglutide in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33185364/

8. Liraglutide safety and efficacy in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (LEAN): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase 2 study — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26608256/

9. Tirzepatide for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis with Liver Fibrosis — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38856224/

Links & Resources:

• 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz
• 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

‼️Disclaimer‼️

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.

Welcome back to Peptides for Women podcast!

In today's episode, I have my very first guest on the podcast. And truly, I couldn’t have asked for a better person to join me than my colleague, mentor, and dear friend, Tina Haupert, founder of Carrots ‘N’ Cake and a fellow Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner!

Tina’s story is powerful. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in her early 30s and spent years trying everything (from biologics to supplements to lifestyle changes) yet still struggled to find real, lasting relief. That is, until she discovered peptides.

In this episode, Tina and I talk about:

• Her long health journey with ulcerative colitis and why conventional medicine wasn’t enough

• The first peptides she tried (KPV, BPC-157, TB-500) and how they supported her gut healing and inflammation

• How peptides helped her bounce back faster from flares and shift her focus to strength and body composition

• Why microdosing GLP-1s can be such a game-changer for women in midlife

• The real-life results she and her clients are seeing—better recovery, fewer cravings, more energy, and reduced inflammation

• Why peptides should always be paired with healthy foundations like nutrition, strength training, sleep, and stress management

• A behind-the-scenes look at something we’re building together: the upcoming Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course

Connect with Tina Haupert:

• Instagram: @carrotsncake

• Website: www.carrotsncake.com

Links & Resources:

• 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz
• 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

‼️Disclaimer‼️

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.

Welcome back to Peptides for Women podcast, my little 80s babes! 

Today we’re digging into two of the most fascinating (and fun to say!) peptides: Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin.

Both of these peptides help your body make more growth hormone, which naturally declines in your 30s, 40s, and 50s. And since growth hormone is the secret sauce for lean muscle, fat loss, skin, sleep, and recovery, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, I break down:

• Why tesamorelin is especially powerful for midlife belly fat and body composition
• The “thermostat vs. tap” analogy to help you understand their unique roles
• How ipamorelin supports deep sleep, recovery, and mood—without messing with other hormones
• What the research really says about fat loss, muscle, and brain health
• How these peptides can be used together for even better results
• The importance of healthy foundations (protein, lifting, sleep, sun, steps) before adding peptides

📘 Resources Mentioned:

1. Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial

⁠https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25038357/⁠

2. Effects of Tesamorelin on Neurocognitive Impairment in Persons With HIV and Abdominal Obesity

⁠https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39813152/⁠

3. Tesamorelin Modestly Reduces Liver Fat

⁠https://www.jwatch.org/na35376/2014/08/08/tesamorelin-modestly-reduces-liver-fat⁠

4. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue

⁠https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9849822/⁠

5. The GH secretagogues ipamorelin and GH-releasing peptide-6 increase bone mineral content in adult female rats

⁠https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10828840/⁠

6. The role of peptides in bone healing and regeneration: a systematic review

⁠https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4940902/⁠

Links & Resources:

• 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz
• 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

‼️Disclaimer‼️

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.

Welcome back to Peptides for Women podcast!

Today’s episode is all about the five peptides making a real difference for women in midlife. If your jeans or Lululemons don’t fit the same, your sex drive has gone MIA, and your sleep is a total mess... you are not alone. This conversation is packed with practical, science-backed solutions for real symptoms, without the fluff or shame.

In this episode, I walk you through the top five peptides that are changing the game for women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond:

• GLP-1s (like semaglutide and tirzepatide): how they support weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, and even protect bone health.
• PT-141: the libido peptide that works through the brain (not just blood flow).
• Sermorelin: Beau’s favorite peptide for deeper sleep, better recovery, and lean muscle support.
• GHK-Cu: the copper peptide that boosts collagen, regenerates skin, and even restores hair pigment.
• BPC-157: the healing peptide for gut health, inflammation, and faster recovery from injuries.

🔗 Articles:

• https://dom-pubs.pericles-prod.literatumonline.com/doi/10.1111/dom.15728

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26043228/

Links & Resources:

• 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz
• 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

‼️Disclaimer‼️

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.

Welcome back to the Peptides for Women podcast!

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into how GLP-1s like semaglutide and tirzepatide actually work... and why they’re not just about weight loss!

👉 This episode is a continuation of last week’s conversation in Episode 2, where I addressed a big question I get all the time: “Aren’t peptides cheating?” If you haven’t listened to that one yet, go check it out first for a foundational look at the ethical and emotional conversations around peptide therapy. Then come back here for a more detailed breakdown of how GLP-1s work in the body and why they’re more than just a quick fix.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening in your body when you take these medications, or if you're curious about the science behind their metabolic benefits, this episode is for you. I’m breaking it all down in a simple, honest, and practical way: with insights from functional medicine, my own experience, and how I use peptides with real women in midlife.

We’re not chasing quick fixes here, we’re rebuilding metabolism from the inside out!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What GLP-1 medications are and how they function in the body
• How they improve insulin sensitivity and lower inflammation
• Why they help regulate appetite, cravings, and blood sugar
• The connection between GLP-1s and gut-brain signaling
• Why lifestyle changes are still essential — even when using peptides
• How to create a sustainable, long-term peptide strategy
• The truth about weight regain and what to do about it
• Why these medications are not a crutch — they’re a tool for healing

Links & Resources:

• 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz
• 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

‼️Disclaimer‼️

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.

Welcome back to Peptides for Women podcast!

In today’s episode, I’m addressing a question I get all the time: “Aren’t peptides cheating?” 

If you’ve ever felt skeptical, curious, or even judgmental about using peptides like GLP-1s, this episode is for you. I break down the most common concerns I hear about peptides, especially GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide, and share why I believe these therapies are far more than just quick fixes. With insights from my background in functional nutrition and my own journey, I hope to offer a compassionate, science-based perspective on why peptides can be a powerful support (not a shortcut!) for women in midlife.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why even functional wellness practitioners question peptides at first
• The difference between “natural” supplements and injectable peptides
• How GLP-1s work in the body and what makes them unique
• Why peptides are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle
• Common side effects and safety profiles for GLP-1 medications
• Long-term use: should you stay on peptides forever?
• Interactions with medications and when to talk to your doctor
• Why shame and judgment have no place in the health journey 

Links & Resources:

• 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz
• 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

‼️Disclaimer‼️

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.

Welcome to the very first episode of Peptides for Women! Your go-to podcast for smart, grounded, and practical conversations about using peptides to support weight loss, hormone balance, healing, and overall vitality in midlife.

In this episode, we cover:

• What peptides actually are (no jargon, promise)

• How they’re different from traditional pharmaceuticals

• Who might benefit from them (hint: if you’re stuck, tired, and frustrated--it might be you)

• The biggest benefits and real risks

• The most popular peptides for women right now and why they’re getting so much buzz

Whether you’re peptide curious or ready to get started, this episode will give you the foundation you need to explore these tools with confidence and intention.

Links & Resources:

• 🔗 Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elliemd.com/JenniferWoodwardNutrition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🎯 Take my free peptide quiz and get a personalized, midlife-smart roadmap for the peptides that actually match your symptoms and goals: ⁠https://quiz.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/peptide-quiz
• 🎓 Enroll in the Peptides for Practitioners Certification Course and get $100 off for podcast subscribers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carrotsncake.com/offers/TrVo7mCz?coupon_code=PFPJENNIFER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 🧬 Want to pair GLP-1s with functional lab testing? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://learn.jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com/invitation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• 📩 Grab The Body Edit Guide here for full protocols, labs, and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/jenniferwoodwardnutrition/p/get-the-body-edit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

‼️Disclaimer‼️

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment plan.