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The Pivotal Protocol - Educational Reference Series
Peptide Timing
Workbook
A complete timing and cycle reference guide for members of The Pivotal Protocol curriculum. Templates, schedules, and frameworks for structuring your educational understanding of compound timing.
Educational purposes only. Nothing in this document constitutes medical advice, clinical recommendation, or treatment protocol. All compound references are for educational and research literacy purposes. Consult a licensed physician before making any health-related decisions. The Pivotal Protocol is an education and teaching operation.
1. The Fasted Window: Why Timing Matters for GH Secretagogues
Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) - including GHRPs and GHRHs - stimulate GH release by acting on receptors in the pituitary and hypothalamus. The magnitude of the resulting GH pulse is significantly modulated by the metabolic environment at the time of administration.
The Mechanism
Elevated blood glucose and elevated circulating insulin both suppress somatostatin tone. Somatostatin is an inhibitory neuropeptide that dampens GH release. When insulin is high (post-meal state), somatostatin activity rises and the GH pulse generated by a secretagogue is blunted - sometimes dramatically.
Practical Implication
- A fully fasted state (minimum 2 hours post-meal, ideally 3-4 hours) is the target window for GH-axis peptides
- Morning dosing before breakfast is the most consistently clean window for most individuals
- Post-training dosing (30-60 min post-workout, before eating) is a second viable fasted window
- Bedtime dosing requires dinner at least 2-3 hours prior
- Fat alone has minimal insulin impact; a small amount of fat near the dosing window is less disruptive than carbohydrates
Key Principle: Carbohydrates before a GH-axis peptide dose blunt the resulting pulse. The fasted window is not optional if maximizing the educational model of GH pulsatility.
2. Injection Timing by Compound Class
| Compound Class |
Examples |
Preferred Window |
Rationale |
| GH Secretagogues (GHRPs) |
Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6 |
Morning fasted; post-training fasted; bedtime |
Maximize GH pulse by minimizing insulin interference |
| GHRH Analogs |
CJC-1295 no DAC, Sermorelin, Tesamorelin |
Morning fasted; bedtime |
Act on pituitary directly; pulsatility preserved in fasted state |
| GLP-1 Class |
Semaglutide, Tirzepatide |
Any time, SubQ; weekly cadence typical |
Long half-life; meal timing irrelevant for absorption |
| Recovery Peptides |
BPC-157, TB-500 |
Post-training or bedtime |
Tissue repair signaling; meal timing not mechanistically critical |
| Fat-Selective Peptides |
AOD-9604 |
Morning fasted |
GH fragment; same somatostatin considerations apply |
| Longevity / Mitochondrial |
Epithalon, SS-31, MOTS-c |
Morning; flexible |
No direct GH axis interaction; timing less critical |
| Neuropeptides |
Semax, Selank, Dihexa |
Morning, pre-cognitive task |
Nootropic effect alignment with peak cognitive demand window |
| Sleep Peptides |
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) |
30-60 min before intended sleep |
Targets delta sleep induction; timing tied to sleep onset |
3. Cycle Length Reference Table
| Compound |
Class |
Typical On-Period |
Typical Off-Period |
Notes |
| Ipamorelin |
GHRP |
8-12 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
Well-tolerated; longer cycles studied |
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) |
GHRH analog |
8-12 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
Typically paired with Ipamorelin |
| CJC-1295 (with DAC) |
GHRH long-acting |
8-12 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
Once or twice weekly dosing; depot effect |
| Sermorelin |
GHRH analog |
12-24 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
Often used in longer, gentler protocols |
| Tesamorelin |
GHRH analog |
12-26 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
Most human data of any GHRH analog |
| GHRP-2 |
GHRP |
8-12 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
Potent; more cortisol/prolactin signal than Ipamorelin |
| GHRP-6 |
GHRP |
8-12 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
Strong hunger drive; ghrelin agonism pronounced |
| BPC-157 |
Recovery |
4-12 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
Injury-specific protocols may be shorter; flexible |
| TB-500 |
Recovery |
4-12 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
Often run parallel to BPC-157 |
| AOD-9604 |
GH fragment |
12 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
Limited human data; research context |
| Epithalon |
Telomere/longevity |
10-20 days (course) |
4-6 months |
Short courses repeated periodically |
| SS-31 |
Mitochondrial |
4-12 weeks |
4-8 weeks |
Mostly animal data; human trials ongoing |
| MOTS-c |
Mitochondrial peptide |
4-8 weeks |
4 weeks |
Emerging; human data limited |
| Semax |
Neuropeptide |
2-4 weeks |
2-4 weeks |
Cyclical use; tolerance considerations |
| Selank |
Neuropeptide / anxiolytic |
2-4 weeks |
2-4 weeks |
Well-tolerated; may run alongside Semax or alternate |
| Dihexa |
Nootropic peptide |
1-3 weeks |
4+ weeks |
Extremely potent; minimal human data; caution warranted |
| DSIP |
Sleep / recovery |
1-4 weeks |
Variable |
Situational; not typically long-cycled |
4. Weekly Dosing Schedule Builder Template
Use this 7-day grid to map your compound timing windows. Each compound occupies one row. Mark each day with: AM (morning fasted), PM (post-training), BT (bedtime), or leave blank for rest day.
Compound
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Notes
AM = morning fasted | PM = post-training | BT = bedtime | blank = rest day
5. Stacking Timing Conflicts: What Can Share a Window
| Window |
Can Be Co-administered |
Avoid Combining |
| Morning Fasted |
GHRP + GHRH analog (synergistic); Semax; AOD-9604 |
Anything followed immediately by carbohydrate-rich meal |
| Post-Training |
BPC-157 + TB-500; GHRP + GHRH if still fasted |
GH peptides if post-workout nutrition already consumed |
| Bedtime |
GHRP + GHRH; DSIP; Selank (anxiolytic benefit) |
Semax (stimulating neuropeptide; may disrupt sleep onset) |
| Any Time |
GLP-1 class; recovery peptides (BPC-157 non-fasted acceptable) |
Pairing two stimulating neuropeptides in same window without washout |
Neuropeptide stacking note: Semax and Selank have opposing action profiles (stimulating vs. anxiolytic/calming). Some educational frameworks suggest alternating cycles rather than co-administration.
6. The Pulse Model: Mimicking Natural GH Pulsatility
Endogenous GH is released in discrete pulses, predominantly during slow-wave sleep and in the post-exercise fasted state. The largest pulse occurs within the first 90 minutes of sleep (the delta sleep window). Smaller secondary pulses occur in early morning fasting and approximately 3-4 hours after the sleep pulse.
Pulsatility Principles
- Continuous GH elevation suppresses natural pulsatility via negative feedback. Secretagogues work best when dosed to mimic discrete pulses, not continuous elevation.
- The GHRH + GHRP combination is synergistic: GHRH sets the amplitude ceiling; GHRP amplifies the pulse and suppresses somatostatin simultaneously.
- Spacing doses minimum 3 hours apart preserves receptor sensitivity and avoids desensitization.
- CJC-1295 with DAC creates a sustained GHRH background elevation - this alters the pulsatile model and is a distinct pharmacological approach from short-acting GHRH analogs.
Dosing Frequency Models (Educational)
| Model | Frequency | Windows | Profile |
|---|
| Pulse Mimicry | 2-3x daily | AM + post-training + BT | Most physiologic; requires schedule discipline |
| Single Pulse | 1x daily | Bedtime (preferred) or AM | Simplified; targets largest natural pulse window |
| Long-Acting | 1-2x weekly | Any SubQ | CJC with DAC model; background elevation pattern |
7. Insulin Interference: Carbohydrates Before GH Peptide Doses
The insulin-GH antagonism is one of the most clinically documented interactions in endocrinology. For educational understanding:
- Post-prandial insulin peaks at 30-90 minutes after a carbohydrate-containing meal
- Insulin elevation increases somatostatin tone, which gates GH release
- A GH secretagogue administered during peak insulin will generate a blunted or absent pulse
- Fasting window needed: 2 hours minimum; 3-4 hours is more reliable
- Protein meals raise insulin modestly; fat meals minimally
- Black coffee without additives does not meaningfully affect insulin and is generally compatible with a fasted dosing window
8. Sleep Peptide Timing: The Delta Sleep Window
The delta sleep window refers to the first 90-minute sleep cycle, during which slow-wave (delta) sleep predominates. This is the physiologically dominant GH pulse window in healthy adults. Educational context:
- DSIP is named for its proposed role in promoting delta-wave sleep; human data is limited and mixed
- GHRP/GHRH combinations dosed at bedtime leverage this natural GH pulse window
- Ideal bedtime window: 30-60 minutes after dinner (ensuring partial fasting), and 15-30 minutes before sleep onset
- Any compound with stimulating nootropic activity (Semax, Dihexa) is contraindicated in this window due to arousal effects
- Selank, with its anxiolytic profile, may complement sleep-window dosing
9. Monthly Cycle Calendar Template
Mark each day with compound initials in the appropriate cell. Use: ON (active), OFF (rest), or leave blank.
Week
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
10. End-of-Cycle Tapering: When It Applies and When It Does Not
Unlike anabolic steroids, most research peptides do not require a structured post-cycle taper to restore endogenous hormone production because they work through receptor stimulation rather than exogenous hormone replacement.
Compounds Where Tapering Is Not Generally Indicated
- BPC-157, TB-500 (no hormonal axis; cessation is clean)
- Epithalon (short courses; cessation is standard practice)
- Semax, Selank (neurological; gradual wind-down is practical, not mandatory)
- MOTS-c, SS-31 (no known feedback loop requiring taper)
Compounds Where Gradual Off-Ramp Merits Consideration
- GHRP/GHRH combinations used for extended periods: some educational frameworks suggest reducing frequency (e.g., from 3x to 1x daily for 1-2 weeks) rather than abrupt cessation, to allow receptor sensitivity normalization
- CJC-1295 with DAC: the depot effect means cessation is gradual by nature due to pharmacokinetics
11. Lab Timing: When to Draw IGF-1 Relative to Last Dose
| Compound Class | Recommended Draw Timing | Notes |
|---|
| GH Secretagogues (all) |
Trough: 24+ hours after last dose for clean baseline; mid-cycle: 4-6 weeks into cycle for on-protocol IGF-1 |
IGF-1 reflects 24-72hr integrated GH output; single-dose effects are smoothed |
| CJC with DAC |
Mid-cycle draw; 3-4 days after dose to capture plateau-phase IGF-1 |
Long half-life makes trough less meaningful in short timeframes |
| Baseline (pre-cycle) |
Minimum 2 weeks off all GH-axis peptides |
True baseline requires full washout |
12. Travel and Schedule Disruption: Adapting a Protocol
- Crossing time zones: anchor dosing to local fasted windows, not home-time-zone clock. The physiological requirement is meal/insulin state, not clock time.
- Travel day itself: airport meals and disrupted eating make GH peptide timing unreliable. Skipping one day on travel day is a pragmatic choice.
- Hotel mini-fridge stability: reconstituted peptides require refrigeration. Lyophilized (powder) form is more stable for travel; reconstitute on arrival.
- Short trips (1-3 days): simplify to once-daily bedtime dosing rather than attempting full 3x schedule.
- Extended travel (7+ days): maintain schedule in local time; allow 2-3 days of circadian adjustment before expecting full efficacy.
13. Missed Dose Protocol
Core principle: Never double-dose to compensate for a missed injection. Skip it and resume normal schedule next window.
By Compound Type
- Short-acting GH peptides (daily/EOD): If a dose is missed, skip it entirely. Resume next scheduled dose.
- CJC with DAC (weekly): If missed by 1-2 days, dose when remembered and adjust next dose date accordingly.
- BPC-157 / TB-500: Missing one dose has minimal cumulative impact. Resume next day.
- Epithalon (course-based): If mid-course, resume same day if remembered before sleep. Do not extend the course to make up for missed days.
- Semax / Selank: Skip missed dose. These are not therapeutically time-sensitive in the same way as GH-axis compounds.
14. Cycle Logging Template: Daily Tracking Sheet
| Field |
Entry |
Field |
Entry |
| Date | | Cycle Day | |
| Compound(s) dosed | | Window(s) | |
| Last meal before AM dose | | Hours fasted | |
| Training today? | | Post-training dose? | |
| Energy (1-10) | | Sleep quality (1-10) | |
| Mood (1-10) | | Recovery (1-10) | |
| Notable effects | | Side effects | |
| Labs drawn today? | | Physician contact? | |
| Notes | |
15. 12-Week Master Schedule Template
| Week | Phase | Compounds Active | Key Lab or Check-In | Notes |
|---|
| Pre-cycle | Baseline | None | Full baseline panel: IGF-1, CBC, CMP, hormones, fasted glucose | 2+ weeks off GH peptides before draw |
| Week 1 | Introduction | Compound A only | None | Single compound; observe baseline response |
| Week 2 | Introduction | Compound A | None | Note any side effects before adding |
| Week 3 | Add Layer | A + Compound B | None | Add second compound; one variable at a time |
| Week 4 | Add Layer | A + B | Subjective check-in; physician communication recommended | |
| Week 5 | Active | A + B (+ C if indicated) | None | |
| Week 6 | Active | Full stack | Mid-cycle labs: IGF-1, fasted glucose, hormones | Key decision point; adjust or maintain |
| Week 7 | Active | Full stack | None | Review lab data with physician |
| Week 8 | Active | Full stack | None | |
| Week 9 | Active | Full stack | None | |
| Week 10 | Active | Full stack | None | |
| Week 11 | Wind-Down | Reduce frequency if tapering | None | |
| Week 12 | Final | Last doses | End-of-cycle labs: full repeat panel | Compare to baseline and week-6 draw |
| Weeks 13-16 | Off-Cycle | None | Post-cycle lab at week 16 (4 weeks post-cessation) | Document recovery baseline |
16. Physician Communication Timeline
- Pre-cycle: Share intent, obtain baseline labs, confirm no contraindications
- Week 4: First subjective check-in; report any unexpected effects
- Week 6: Mid-cycle lab review; primary clinical decision point for the cycle
- Week 12: End-of-cycle labs; discuss results and next-cycle planning
- Week 16: Post-cycle recovery labs; confirm return to baseline
- Any time: Red-flag symptoms warrant immediate contact (see Guide 4 for red-flag lab values)
17. Adjustment Decision Tree
Feel significantly better, labs within range
->
Maintain current protocol. Document. Plan end-of-cycle lab at expected timeframe.
Feel no change at 4 weeks, labs normal
->
Review timing compliance first (fasted windows). If timing is correct, discuss with physician. Do not increase dose impulsively.
Feel worse (fatigue, water retention, sleep disruption)
->
Reduce to single compound. Identify culprit before continuing. Physician consult recommended.
IGF-1 elevated above range at mid-cycle
->
Reduce frequency or dose per physician guidance. Do not continue at current dose pending physician review.
IGF-1 unchanged from baseline at mid-cycle
->
Check product quality, reconstitution, storage, and injection technique before adjusting dosing. Review fasted window compliance.
Labs flagged (glucose, liver enzymes, thyroid)
->
Pause protocol. Physician consult. Do not restart until clearance.
18. The Off-Cycle Protocol
The off-cycle period serves two functions in the educational model: receptor sensitivity restoration and physiological baseline recovery. What is typically maintained during an off-cycle:
- Recovery peptides (BPC-157, TB-500): May be continued during off-cycle from GH-axis compounds, as they act through independent mechanisms
- Neuropeptides: If cycling, off-cycle from GH axis does not require off-cycle from Semax or Selank separately (follow their own cycle windows)
- Longevity compounds: SS-31, MOTS-c may be continued or cycled independently
- GH secretagogues: Full off-cycle period. No GHRPs, GHRHs, or AOD-9604 during the defined break.
19. Stacking Sequence: Introducing Compounds One at a Time
Introducing multiple compounds simultaneously makes it impossible to identify the source of any effect (positive or negative). The standard educational framework:
- Start with one compound. Run for minimum 2 weeks before adding anything.
- Add the second compound. Observe for 1-2 weeks before adding a third.
- Never add a fourth compound before the three-compound stack is established and stable.
- If a side effect emerges, remove the most recently added compound first and observe.
- Compounds with overlapping timing windows should be differentiated by at least 30 minutes if uncertain about compatibility.
20. The Monthly Optimization Review
At the end of each month on-cycle, a structured review session should inform next-month decisions:
Data Points to Collect
- Average subjective scores (energy, sleep, mood, recovery) from daily log - computed weekly average
- Body composition trend (weight, waist circumference, visual assessment)
- Training performance trend (output, recovery time, joint comfort)
- Lab values if mid-cycle draw occurred this month
- Compliance rate: what percentage of planned doses were administered in correct fasted windows
Decision Framework
| Data Signal | Decision |
|---|
| Positive response + labs normal + compliance high | Maintain. No changes. |
| Positive response + compliance was low | Maintain compound selection; improve timing discipline before attributing effect to dose level |
| Neutral response + compliance high + labs normal | Discuss with physician. Consider whether compound selection matches goals. |
| Any negative lab flag | Pause. Physician consult. Do not optimize toward a problem. |
Next Cycle Planning Checklist
- Off-cycle length defined?
- Post-cycle labs scheduled?
- Recovery labs (4 weeks post-cycle) scheduled?
- Compound selection for next cycle decided with physician input?
- Supply secured before cycle start (not mid-cycle)?
- Physician communication scheduled for cycle start?