Peptides, Hormones & IV Therapy: A Functional Medicine Conversation with Jason Pencek

Some of my favorite conversations start in the DMs, and this one is no exception.

For this episode of The Rever Rundown, I sat down with Dr. Jason Pencek. He's a chiropractor, nurse practitioner, and founder of Fountain Wellness in Chicago. He's one of the most generous voices I've come across in the peptide and functional medicine space, and the conversation that unfolded was one of the most candid and clinically rich I've had on the show so far.

We went deep on peptides and why he still describes them as a sprinkle on the cake, never the cake itself. Labs first. Hormones, iron, gut, inflammation. Then peptides. Then the more advanced tools.

We also talked about IV therapy in real clinical practice, the hormone and thyroid conversations so many women are still being denied, the gut work that has to underpin Hashimoto's care, and the responsibility providers carry as patients increasingly arrive with AI-generated recommendations in hand.

If there's a single takeaway, it's the one Dr. Pencek offered at the end, and the one that underpins how we practice at Rever: do the lab work, and work with a practitioner who actually knows you. Whether you're a patient or a provider, this one is for you.

FAQs

Do I need lab work before starting peptide therapy?

Yes. Comprehensive lab work is essential before beginning any peptide protocol. It identifies underlying contributors to symptoms, ensures peptides are being used appropriately, and provides a baseline to measure response and safety over time. Any clinician who prescribes peptides without baseline labs should be approached with caution.

What is peptide cycling, and is it necessary?

Cycling refers to the practice of taking peptides for a defined period and then taking a break before resuming, to preserve receptor sensitivity and mimic the body's natural rhythms. For most peptides, a common approach is eight to twelve weeks on followed by a month off. Some peptides, such as BPC-157, are often used continuously without strict cycling. The right approach depends on the peptide, the patient, and the clinical goal.

What is IV therapy actually useful for?

IV therapy is most effective when used to address specific clinical needs rather than as a general wellness routine. Strong applications include correcting iron deficiency with IV iron infusions, supporting immune function with high-dose vitamin C, addressing oxidative stress with glutathione, and supporting recovery during illness, post-surgery, or post-exertion. Routine "wellness" infusions in otherwise healthy individuals have a much weaker evidence base.

Why do functional medicine providers test reverse T3?

Reverse T3 reflects how the body is converting and using thyroid hormone. Elevated reverse T3 can indicate that stress, inflammation, or illness is diverting active T3 into an inactive form, leaving patients with thyroid symptoms despite "normal" standard labs. It is not part of conventional thyroid screening, but it offers meaningful information in functional and integrative care.

Can Hashimoto's be reversed?

Hashimoto's cannot be fully cured, but the underlying inflammation and immune activity can often be significantly reduced. With gut healing, trigger identification (commonly wheat, eggs, and dairy), targeted peptides, and ongoing monitoring, some patients are able to taper down or off thyroid medication. Results vary, and ongoing follow-up is essential.

What is LDN, and who is it appropriate for?

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is a medication used at much smaller doses than its conventional application, often to support immune regulation, reduce inflammation, and help with autoimmune symptoms. It is generally well tolerated, though vivid dreams are a common side effect. It has become a frequently used tool in functional and integrative protocols, particularly for autoimmune conditions.

Is it safe to source peptides on my own without a provider?

No. Self-sourcing peptides carries meaningful risk, unverified purity, incorrect dosing, contraindications with current medications, and the absence of ongoing monitoring. The clinical value of peptides depends heavily on appropriate selection, sourcing, dosing, and oversight. Working with a knowledgeable provider is the single most important safety step.

How should I think about AI tools like ChatGPT in my health decisions?

AI tools can be a helpful starting point for learning and asking questions, but they cannot replace clinical judgment. They lack the full context of your medical history, labs, medications, and individual circumstances, and they can confidently produce recommendations that are incomplete or inappropriate. Used alongside a provider, not in place of one, they can be a useful part of a thoughtful health conversation.

Get the Handout

Full Transcript

Instagram

TikTok

Youtube

Become a Patient

Medical Providers Join my Clinician Education Platform

Subscribe to our Newsletter

References

Website

Instagram

Chapters