Olga Afichuk | OlgaOptimizes
@olgarx.bsky.social
🔬 Functional medicine educator translating complex science into practical protocols
⚡ Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine
🧬 Peptides | Hormones | Regenerative Medicine
📍 Harbor Health & Apothecary
🎯 Optimizing medicine, one protocol at a time
⚡ Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine
🧬 Peptides | Hormones | Regenerative Medicine
📍 Harbor Health & Apothecary
🎯 Optimizing medicine, one protocol at a time
Educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide or hormone-based regimen.
October 31, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide or hormone-based regimen.
Each of these peptides sends a precise biological signal. Understanding their pathways helps align them with individual health goals for repair, performance, and longevity.
October 31, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Each of these peptides sends a precise biological signal. Understanding their pathways helps align them with individual health goals for repair, performance, and longevity.
Oxytocin
A neuropeptide associated with calm, connection, and emotional well-being. It is sometimes compounded in nasal or troche form to support relaxation and social bonding.
A neuropeptide associated with calm, connection, and emotional well-being. It is sometimes compounded in nasal or troche form to support relaxation and social bonding.
October 31, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Oxytocin
A neuropeptide associated with calm, connection, and emotional well-being. It is sometimes compounded in nasal or troche form to support relaxation and social bonding.
A neuropeptide associated with calm, connection, and emotional well-being. It is sometimes compounded in nasal or troche form to support relaxation and social bonding.
GHK-Cu
A copper-binding peptide found in plasma and skin. Known for its role in collagen synthesis, wound healing, and mitochondrial support. Available in topical and nasal forms.
A copper-binding peptide found in plasma and skin. Known for its role in collagen synthesis, wound healing, and mitochondrial support. Available in topical and nasal forms.
October 31, 2025 at 4:09 PM
GHK-Cu
A copper-binding peptide found in plasma and skin. Known for its role in collagen synthesis, wound healing, and mitochondrial support. Available in topical and nasal forms.
A copper-binding peptide found in plasma and skin. Known for its role in collagen synthesis, wound healing, and mitochondrial support. Available in topical and nasal forms.
Thymosin Alpha-1
A naturally occurring peptide that regulates immune activity. It helps optimize T-cell function and promotes balanced inflammatory responses.
A naturally occurring peptide that regulates immune activity. It helps optimize T-cell function and promotes balanced inflammatory responses.
October 31, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Thymosin Alpha-1
A naturally occurring peptide that regulates immune activity. It helps optimize T-cell function and promotes balanced inflammatory responses.
A naturally occurring peptide that regulates immune activity. It helps optimize T-cell function and promotes balanced inflammatory responses.
Tesamorelin
Another GHRH analog shown to help reduce visceral fat and improve lipid metabolism. It supports cellular energy and body composition goals tied to healthy aging.
Another GHRH analog shown to help reduce visceral fat and improve lipid metabolism. It supports cellular energy and body composition goals tied to healthy aging.
October 31, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Tesamorelin
Another GHRH analog shown to help reduce visceral fat and improve lipid metabolism. It supports cellular energy and body composition goals tied to healthy aging.
Another GHRH analog shown to help reduce visceral fat and improve lipid metabolism. It supports cellular energy and body composition goals tied to healthy aging.
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
Two peptides that work together to promote natural GH release. They can assist with body composition, skin elasticity, and metabolic support while maintaining normal feedback control.
Two peptides that work together to promote natural GH release. They can assist with body composition, skin elasticity, and metabolic support while maintaining normal feedback control.
October 31, 2025 at 4:09 PM
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
Two peptides that work together to promote natural GH release. They can assist with body composition, skin elasticity, and metabolic support while maintaining normal feedback control.
Two peptides that work together to promote natural GH release. They can assist with body composition, skin elasticity, and metabolic support while maintaining normal feedback control.
A growth hormone–releasing hormone analog that encourages the pituitary to release natural pulses of GH. Reported benefits include improved recovery, sleep quality, and lean muscle support.
October 31, 2025 at 4:08 PM
A growth hormone–releasing hormone analog that encourages the pituitary to release natural pulses of GH. Reported benefits include improved recovery, sleep quality, and lean muscle support.
Pentadecapeptide Arginate (PDA)
A stabilized analog of BPC-157 that supports recovery of soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Often discussed for post-procedure or injury healing due to its regenerative influence.
A stabilized analog of BPC-157 that supports recovery of soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Often discussed for post-procedure or injury healing due to its regenerative influence.
October 31, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Pentadecapeptide Arginate (PDA)
A stabilized analog of BPC-157 that supports recovery of soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Often discussed for post-procedure or injury healing due to its regenerative influence.
A stabilized analog of BPC-157 that supports recovery of soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Often discussed for post-procedure or injury healing due to its regenerative influence.
Bremelanotide (PT-141)
Works on melanocortin receptors in the brain to enhance libido and mood. It acts neurologically, not hormonally, and is usually taken as needed. Effects can last up to two days.
Works on melanocortin receptors in the brain to enhance libido and mood. It acts neurologically, not hormonally, and is usually taken as needed. Effects can last up to two days.
October 31, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Bremelanotide (PT-141)
Works on melanocortin receptors in the brain to enhance libido and mood. It acts neurologically, not hormonally, and is usually taken as needed. Effects can last up to two days.
Works on melanocortin receptors in the brain to enhance libido and mood. It acts neurologically, not hormonally, and is usually taken as needed. Effects can last up to two days.
Educational content only.
Not medical advice.
Always use clinical judgment.
Follow for weekly protocol insights.
Optimizing medicine, one protocol at a time. ✨
Not medical advice.
Always use clinical judgment.
Follow for weekly protocol insights.
Optimizing medicine, one protocol at a time. ✨
October 29, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Educational content only.
Not medical advice.
Always use clinical judgment.
Follow for weekly protocol insights.
Optimizing medicine, one protocol at a time. ✨
Not medical advice.
Always use clinical judgment.
Follow for weekly protocol insights.
Optimizing medicine, one protocol at a time. ✨
Question for fellow practitioners:
What biomarkers are you tracking for NAD+ effectiveness? NMN vs NR outcomes in your practice?
This is where functional medicine is heading.
What biomarkers are you tracking for NAD+ effectiveness? NMN vs NR outcomes in your practice?
This is where functional medicine is heading.
October 29, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Question for fellow practitioners:
What biomarkers are you tracking for NAD+ effectiveness? NMN vs NR outcomes in your practice?
This is where functional medicine is heading.
What biomarkers are you tracking for NAD+ effectiveness? NMN vs NR outcomes in your practice?
This is where functional medicine is heading.
The mechanism is solid.
NAD+ activates sirtuins, supports DNA repair, optimizes mitochondrial biogenesis.
But delivery method = everything.
NAD+ activates sirtuins, supports DNA repair, optimizes mitochondrial biogenesis.
But delivery method = everything.
October 29, 2025 at 5:19 PM
The mechanism is solid.
NAD+ activates sirtuins, supports DNA repair, optimizes mitochondrial biogenesis.
But delivery method = everything.
NAD+ activates sirtuins, supports DNA repair, optimizes mitochondrial biogenesis.
But delivery method = everything.
When I consider NAD+ protocols:
Post-viral fatigue
Chronic fatigue with mito dysfunction
Addiction recovery support
High-performance athletes
Cognitive decline with metabolic components
Post-viral fatigue
Chronic fatigue with mito dysfunction
Addiction recovery support
High-performance athletes
Cognitive decline with metabolic components
October 29, 2025 at 5:18 PM
When I consider NAD+ protocols:
Post-viral fatigue
Chronic fatigue with mito dysfunction
Addiction recovery support
High-performance athletes
Cognitive decline with metabolic components
Post-viral fatigue
Chronic fatigue with mito dysfunction
Addiction recovery support
High-performance athletes
Cognitive decline with metabolic components
I track: Energy levels, sleep quality, cognitive clarity. In quantified patients, we see HRV and recovery improvements within 2-3 weeks.
October 29, 2025 at 5:17 PM
I track: Energy levels, sleep quality, cognitive clarity. In quantified patients, we see HRV and recovery improvements within 2-3 weeks.
What I recommend:
• NMN: 200-500mg daily
• NR: 300-1000mg daily
• IV NAD+: For acute protocols onlyAll show measurable cellular NAD+ increases.
• NMN: 200-500mg daily
• NR: 300-1000mg daily
• IV NAD+: For acute protocols onlyAll show measurable cellular NAD+ increases.
October 29, 2025 at 5:17 PM
What I recommend:
• NMN: 200-500mg daily
• NR: 300-1000mg daily
• IV NAD+: For acute protocols onlyAll show measurable cellular NAD+ increases.
• NMN: 200-500mg daily
• NR: 300-1000mg daily
• IV NAD+: For acute protocols onlyAll show measurable cellular NAD+ increases.
The problem? NAD+ molecules are too large for gut absorption. Digestive enzymes break them down before they hit circulation.Solution: Use precursors instead.
October 29, 2025 at 5:16 PM
The problem? NAD+ molecules are too large for gut absorption. Digestive enzymes break them down before they hit circulation.Solution: Use precursors instead.
6. Filter your water
7. Keep shoes at the door
8. Add plants for cleaner air
9. Wash bedding weekly
10. Dim screens and lights before bed
7. Keep shoes at the door
8. Add plants for cleaner air
9. Wash bedding weekly
10. Dim screens and lights before bed
October 13, 2025 at 5:46 PM
6. Filter your water
7. Keep shoes at the door
8. Add plants for cleaner air
9. Wash bedding weekly
10. Dim screens and lights before bed
7. Keep shoes at the door
8. Add plants for cleaner air
9. Wash bedding weekly
10. Dim screens and lights before bed
1. Open windows for fresh air
2. Swap plastic for glass
3. Use essential oils instead of synthetic scents
4. Run an air purifier
5. Clean with vinegar and baking soda
2. Swap plastic for glass
3. Use essential oils instead of synthetic scents
4. Run an air purifier
5. Clean with vinegar and baking soda
October 13, 2025 at 5:45 PM
1. Open windows for fresh air
2. Swap plastic for glass
3. Use essential oils instead of synthetic scents
4. Run an air purifier
5. Clean with vinegar and baking soda
2. Swap plastic for glass
3. Use essential oils instead of synthetic scents
4. Run an air purifier
5. Clean with vinegar and baking soda
The progesterone paradox: If adding progesterone makes anxiety worse, consider the delivery method. Oral progesterone metabolizes to allopregnanolone (calming). Topical bypasses this conversion. Different routes = different effects on mood. 8/8
August 25, 2025 at 8:24 PM
The progesterone paradox: If adding progesterone makes anxiety worse, consider the delivery method. Oral progesterone metabolizes to allopregnanolone (calming). Topical bypasses this conversion. Different routes = different effects on mood. 8/8
Lab timing for compounded hormones: Topical hormones peak 2-6 hours after application. For meaningful levels, draw labs 4-6 hours post-application, not at trough. Timing can mean the difference between "therapeutic" and "subtherapeutic" results. 7/8
August 25, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Lab timing for compounded hormones: Topical hormones peak 2-6 hours after application. For meaningful levels, draw labs 4-6 hours post-application, not at trough. Timing can mean the difference between "therapeutic" and "subtherapeutic" results. 7/8