You can't watch a single sporting event without being hit with an Ozempic commercial — but did you know that those GLP-1s everyone's talking about are actually peptides? Kyal Van Der Leest — nutritionist, naturopath, and the formulator behind LvLUp Health — breaks down which peptides actually work, which ones are all hype, and why the Swiss Army knife of peptides (BPC-157) might be exactly what your gut, your joints, and your brain have been begging for. Kyal gets into the oral vs. injectable debate (Kyal sells oral peptides and still admits most oral ones don't work — gotta respect that), why your midlife body composition changes aren't just about willpower, the mould exposure conversation that'll make you side-eye your hotel room forever, and whether microdosing GLP-1s is the smarter play. If you're a Betty navigating perimenopause or menopause and want real, science-backed options beyond "just take Ozempic," this episode is your new best friend. Go to https://lvluphealth.com/DRSTEPHANIE and use code DRSTEPHANIE for 15% off. Injectable Peptides 11:22 The Cost, Convenience & Travel Factor 15:47 BPC-157: The Swiss Army Knife of Peptides 21:10 Arthritis, Autoimmunity & the Gut Connection 27:28 GHK-Copper: Skin From Within & Longevity Genes 35:54 Body Composition Changes in Perimenopause & Menopause 43:24 Microdosing GLP-1s 49:47 Mould: The Hidden Wrecker of Hormones, Gut & Brain 58:49 How to Cycle Peptides (And Why You Should) 1:02:38 Level Up Health: Where to Find These Products 1:09:29 The After Party: Dr. Stephanie's Honest Take Resources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep459 We couldn’t do it without our sponsors: TIMELINE - As perimenopausal women, we know we are in a fight against time to preserve our muscle strength and endurance, plus our recovery needs are greater. That's why you save 20% at https://timelinenutrition.com/better with code BETTER. JUST THRIVE HEALTH - Take the Just Thrive FEEL BETTER challenge today, and save 20% on your first order. Go to https://justthrivehealth.com/better and use the code BETTER to see the difference for yourself. BON CHARGE - Achieve glowing skin, gain more energy, and uplevel your recovery practice with a suite of red light products. AGZ - If you’re ready to turn down the stress and focus on the rest, head to https://drinkag1.com/STEPHANIE to get a FREE Frother with your first purchase of AGZ. EQUIP COLLAGEN - Support bones, joints, gut, and skin with Equip Collagen. **************************** P.S. When you're ready, here are two ways Dr. Stephanie can help you: Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife. Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company.