Strategy·6 min read·February 5, 2025
Cycling Peptides: When and Why to Take Breaks
Receptor desensitization is real. Here's how to structure cycles for compounds that need them.
Why cycle at all?
Some peptides cause receptor desensitization — your body downregulates the receptors they bind to, so the same dose stops working. Cycling restores sensitivity.
Compounds that benefit from cycling
- Growth hormone secretagogues (CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, MK-677): 8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
- Melanotan II: load phase + maintenance, with breaks
- PT-141: as-needed only, not daily
Compounds that don't need cycling
- BPC-157, TB-500: take for the duration of healing, then stop
- GLP-1s: continuous use is the protocol; stopping leads to weight regain
- GHK-Cu (topical): continuous use is fine
How to structure a cycle
A typical "on-cycle" runs 8-12 weeks. During the off-period (4 weeks minimum):
- Stop the peptide entirely
- Track baseline metrics (sleep, recovery, energy)
- Re-introduce at the lowest effective dose
Use the Schedule tool to map out your cycle and avoid forgetting to restart.