Sexual health reflects the complex interaction between neurologic function, hormonal balance, vascular health, and emotional wellness. At Rezilir Health, we look at sexual wellness through a neuroscience lens. Interest in intimacy is influenced by signaling pathways in the brain as much as by physical factors. Use of peptides can help fuel these signals and pathways.
What are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids — essentially small protein messengers — that help your body communicate internally. They signal everything from hormone production and metabolism to inflammation and tissue repair. Some peptides even influence mood, motivation, and sexual desire by interacting directly with receptors in the brain. Because they are targeted messengers, peptides can sometimes support very specific biological pathways.
Bremelanotide: PT-141
One peptide that has received significant research attention in sexual medicine is Bremelanotide, also known as PT-141. Unlike medications that focus primarily on improving blood flow, this peptide works at the level of the central nervous system. It activates melanocortin receptors in areas of the brain that regulate desire and motivation. In other words, it targets the neurological component of libido.
Bremelanotide is FDA-approved for premenopausal women with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). In two large phase III clinical trials published in Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2019, women using bremelanotide experienced statistically significant improvements in sexual desire and reduced distress related to low libido compared to placebo. Follow-up research showed that benefits were maintained over time with an acceptable safety profile. A neurobiological review in CNS Spectrums further explains how activating these brain pathways can enhance sexual motivation through dopamine-related reward systems. As with most treatments in sexual health, improvements tend to be meaningful but not dramatic, and results vary from person to person.
Traditionally, bremelanotide has been administered by injection prior to intimacy. However, advances in peptide delivery have made alternative formats available, including oral dissolvable strips. Many patients appreciate this option because it is simple, discreet, and needle-free.
Sexual Wellness
It’s important to understand that sexual intimacy is influenced by many factors — stress levels, sleep quality, hormone balance, metabolic health, relationship dynamics, medications, and emotional well-being all play a role. Supporting brain health, cardiovascular health, hormone optimization, and stress resilience often enhances sexual wellness naturally. Peptides may be one tool within a broader, personalized plan.
Sexual health is a reflection of overall vitality. When desire declines, it can affect confidence, relationships, and quality of life. The encouraging news is that science continues to evolve, and we now better understand the powerful connection between the brain and sexual wellness. For the right patient, peptide therapy may offer a supportive option within a comprehensive longevity strategy.
References:
Kingsberg, S. A., Clayton, A. H., Portman, D. J., Williams, L. A., Krop, J., Jordan, R., Lucas, J., & Simon, J. A. (2019). Bremelanotide for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder: Two randomized phase 3 trials. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 134(5), 899-908. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31599840/
Simon, J. A., Kingsberg, S. A., Portman, D. J., Williams, L. A., Krop, J., Jordan, R., Lucas, J., & Clayton, A. H. (2019). Long-term safety and efficacy of bremelanotide for hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 134(5), 909-917. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31599847/
Pfaus, J. G., Sadiq, A., Spana, C., & Clayton, A. H. (2022). The neurobiology of bremelanotide for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. CNS Spectrums, 27(3), 281-289. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33455598/
