Provider-Supervised Peptide Care
Functional Medicine Peptide Therapy: An Advanced Option Within Your Personalized Protocol
Peptide therapy can be a valuable addition to a functional medicine protocol for select patients, but it is not a starting point and it is not appropriate for everyone. At Monarch Functional Medicine, peptide therapy is considered only after a full evaluation of your labs, genetics, and health history. Julie McDonald, MMS, PA-C, FMACP, sees patients in-person in Marquette, MI and virtually in Michigan through the 12-Week Reset, (The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on). This page is for general information only and is not a prescription or a recommendation for self-directed use.
Trusted & loved by our patients.
Years of clinical experience
Evaluation Before Anything Else
Peptide Therapy Built on Testing and Clinical Judgment
Whether peptide therapy is appropriate depends on your complete health picture, not a single symptom or goal. We evaluate your labs, genetic testing, and health history first, and any protocol is designed and supervised directly by Julie McDonald. Available in Marquette, Michigan and through fully virtual consultations in Michigan, with certain aspects coordinated locally.
- Comprehensive lab and health history review to assess candidacy and safety
- Genetic and metabolic testing to inform whether peptide therapy fits your protocol
- Individualized protocol design and prescribing, supervised directly by your provider
- Ongoing monitoring for safety, tolerability, and effectiveness
Is This Right for You
Peptide Therapy May Be Considered for Patients Who Have Completed Foundational Testing
Completed Initial Testing and a Foundational Protocol
Peptide therapy is typically layered onto an established foundation, not used as a first step.
Interested in Recovery or Metabolic Support as Part of a Broader Plan
Some patients explore peptide options as one component of a larger, personalized strategy.
Focused on Longevity and Healthy Aging
Peptide therapy is sometimes discussed within a broader longevity-focused protocol, when clinically appropriate.
Want Physician Oversight Rather Than Self-Directed Use
Any peptide protocol at Monarch FM is prescribed and monitored directly, not self-administered without supervision.
In the Optimize Phase of the 12-Week Reset
Advanced strategies, including peptide therapy where appropriate, are introduced later in the program after your foundation is established.
Remote Patients Seeking Expert Care
Evaluation and many follow-ups are available virtually in Michigan, with labs coordinated locally and prescribing handled per applicable regulations.
Over 22 years of medical experience ★★★★★
The Monarch FM Process
How We Approach Peptide Therapy at Monarch FM
Peptide therapy is never a first step at Monarch FM. Our process starts with a complete evaluation, then determines, clinically, whether it makes sense to add to your protocol.
- 22 Years of Clinical Experience
- MMS | PA-C | FMACP Certified Provider
- In-Person in Marquette, MI | Virtual in Michigan
Comprehensive Evaluation First
We review your full lab panel, health history, and genetic testing before any discussion of peptide therapy begins.
Determining Clinical Appropriateness
Julie McDonald evaluates whether peptide therapy fits your goals and health profile, and discusses realistic expectations, risks, and alternatives directly with you.
Individualized, Provider-Supervised Protocol
If appropriate, your protocol is designed and prescribed specifically for you, integrated with your existing nutrition and supplement plan.
Ongoing Monitoring
Your response is monitored closely through follow-up visits and repeat labs, with adjustments made based on your individual results.
PEPTIDE THERAPY AT MONARCH
Peptide therapy uses naturally occurring amino acid chains to help your body do what it’s already designed to do — repair, regulate, and rebalance. We offer three targeted peptide protocols, each addressing a different piece of how you feel and function day to day.
Ipamorelin
Growth hormone support, sleep & anti-aging
Ipamorelin stimulates your body’s natural growth hormone production (often paired with CJC-1295 for enhanced effect). Patients use this protocol to support deeper sleep, improved collagen production, better skin elasticity, and steadier daily energy.
TB-500
Recovery & tissue repair
TB-500 supports the body’s natural tissue repair process, making it a common choice for patients recovering from injury, managing joint discomfort, or looking to reduce recovery time after intense physical activity.
NAD+
Cellular energy & mental clarity
NAD+ supports cellular energy production at a foundational level, helping combat fatigue, brain fog, and sluggish metabolism.
BPC-157
Gut healing & recovery
BPC-157 supports the body’s natural repair processes, with particular support for gut lining integrity and digestive health, alongside general tissue and joint recovery. It’s often used alongside TB-500 for a comprehensive recovery protocol.
GHK-Cu
Skin, hair & cellular repair
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide that supports collagen production, skin firmness, and tissue repair signaling — making it a popular choice for patients focused on skin health, anti-aging, and hair support.
GLP
Appetite, metabolic & inflammatory support
GLP therapy supports healthy appetite regulation, blood sugar balance, and metabolic function, while also helping to lower markers of systemic inflammation — supporting your body’s natural rhythm around hunger, energy use, and overall inflammatory balance. Compounded specifically for your individualized treatment plan.
Peptide therapy is available by prescription following a consultation with our clinical team to determine the right protocol for your goals and health history. Individual results vary. This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice — questions about whether peptide therapy is right for you should be directed to team@monarchfm.com.
Why Monarch Functional Medicine
Advanced Tools Deserve the Same Rigor as Everything Else We Do.
Peptide therapy is one advanced option among many, considered only when clinically appropriate. Related pages include longevity-focused care, weight loss, and the 12-Week Reset program.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is peptide therapy?
Peptide therapy uses short chains of amino acids that can support specific physiological processes, such as recovery or metabolic function, depending on the peptide and clinical context. It is a specialized, prescription-based area of medicine that requires careful evaluation and supervision. At Monarch Functional Medicine, peptide therapy is considered only after a complete review of your labs and health history, available in Marquette, Michigan and virtually in Michigan.
Is peptide therapy right for everyone?
No. Peptide therapy is not appropriate for every patient and is never used as a starting point at Monarch FM. Candidacy depends on your complete health history, current labs, and goals, which is why a full evaluation always comes first.
How does peptide therapy fit into the 12-Week Reset?
Peptide therapy, where clinically appropriate, is typically introduced during the program’s later Optimize phase, after your foundational hormone, metabolic, and nutritional protocol is established. It is layered onto that foundation, not used in place of it.
Can peptide therapy be managed virtually?
Much of the evaluation and follow-up process is available virtually. Certain aspects of prescribing and monitoring are coordinated according to applicable telehealth regulations and your specific protocol, which is discussed directly during your consultation.
How soon could I start peptide therapy?
Timing depends entirely on your individual evaluation. Most patients complete foundational testing and an initial protocol phase before peptide therapy is discussed, if it is clinically appropriate for their case.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to begin an evaluation. You can book a free 15-minute strategy call to discuss your goals and whether further evaluation makes sense.
What does peptide therapy cost?
Because peptide protocols are individualized, pricing is discussed directly during your evaluation and is separate from the base 12-Week Reset fee. (The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on). A free 15-minute strategy call is the best place to start the conversation.
What qualifies Julie McDonald to oversee peptide therapy?
Julie McDonald holds a Master of Medical Science (MMS), is a board-certified PA-C with the FMACP designation, and has 22 years of clinical experience across Emergency, Family, and Internal Medicine. All peptide protocols are designed and supervised directly by her. Learn more on the About Us page.
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The Monarch FM Standard
Clinical Expertise. Advanced Testing. A Protocol Built for You.
Julie McDonald is a MMS, PA-C, and FMACP with 22 years across Emergency, Family, and Internal Medicine. Monarch Functional Medicine runs the labs most providers never order, interprets them through a functional medicine lens, and builds a protocol specific to your biology. Learn more about Julie or book a free strategy call today.
Ready to Start
Advanced Options Start With a Real Evaluation.
If you are curious whether peptide therapy fits your goals, the conversation starts with a full evaluation at Monarch FM. See us in person in Marquette, MI or work with us virtually from anywhere in Michigan.
Join hundreds of patients who have reclaimed their energy, hormones, and health.
