Healthy aging
For people thinking long term about how they age.
Physician-prescribed · San Francisco telehealth
Epithalon Peptide Therapy in San Francisco
Epithalon is a four-amino-acid peptide based on a compound from the pineal gland. It is best known for its role in telomeres and healthy cellular aging. Learn how it works, how it compares with other healthy aging options and whether it may fit your goals, starting with a free telehealth consult.
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First step
Free consult by telehealth
Prescribed by
Board-certified M.D.
How it's used
Short courses at home
Delivered
Shipped to your home
The basics
What is Epithalon?
Epithalon is a small peptide made of four amino acids (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly). It is a lab-made version of epithalamin, a compound from the pineal gland.
The pineal gland is a small gland in the brain that makes melatonin and helps set your daily rhythm of sleep and wakefulness.
Epithalon was developed in Russia and has been studied there for more than 35 years. Today it is one of the most talked-about peptides for healthy aging.
How Epithalon works
- Telomeres. Epithalon has been shown to activate telomerase, the enzyme that maintains the protective caps on your chromosomes.
- Melatonin and rhythm. It supports the pineal gland's production of melatonin, which helps regulate sleep.
- Antioxidant support. It has been studied for its effects on oxidative stress, a driver of cellular aging.
Epithalon is one of several options in our peptide therapy program.
Common reasons
Why people ask about Epithalon
Here are the goals patients most often bring up. Individual results vary.
Sleep
For people interested in their sleep and daily rhythm.
Energy
For people who feel their energy is not what it used to be.
Cellular health
For people interested in telomeres and cellular aging.
Overall well-being
For people looking for a periodic reset.
Longevity plans
For people combining several healthy aging strategies.
What researchers have looked at
Epithalon has been studied for decades. Researchers have looked at its effects on telomerase activity and telomere length, melatonin and the sleep and wake cycle, antioxidant activity and markers of healthy aging. In cell studies, Epithalon increased telomerase activity and telomere length.
Your options
Epithalon vs. other healthy aging options
People interested in healthy aging often ask about these three. Here is how they compare.
Cellular aging
Epithalon
What it is
A four-amino-acid peptide based on a pineal gland compound
Main interest
Telomeres, sleep rhythm and healthy aging
How it's used
Short courses, once or twice a year
Oversight
Prescribed and guided by a physician
Growth hormone
Sermorelin
What it is
A peptide that signals your pituitary gland
Main interest
Sleep, recovery and body composition
How it's used
Small injection at home, ongoing
Learn more
Cellular energy
NAD+
What it is
A coenzyme every cell uses to make energy
Main interest
Energy and mental sharpness
How it's used
Small injection at home
Learn more
What to expect
How Epithalon therapy works at TruSpine
- 01
Book your free consult
Choose a time online. Your telehealth consult has no cost and no obligation.
- 02
Meet with Dr. Supreet Shah
By telehealth, you go over your healthy aging and sleep goals and whether Epithalon may fit. Then you complete a short intake with your health history and medications.
- 03
Physician review
Dr. Crystal Broussard, M.D. reviews your intake, orders labs only if needed, and decides whether Epithalon is appropriate for you.
- 04
Delivered to your door
If prescribed, Epithalon ships to your home from a pharmacy. Dr. Broussard provides instructions for your course, dose and schedule.
Your care team
You meet with Dr. Shah. A board-certified M.D. prescribes.
Your free telehealth consult is with Dr. Supreet Shah. Because Epithalon requires a prescription, a physician makes the medical decision.
Step 1: your free consult
Dr. Supreet Shah
DC, MS, CCSP · TruSpine clinic director
You meet with Dr. Shah by video to talk through your goals and whether Epithalon may fit. He then sends you a short health intake.
Step 2: physician review
Dr. Crystal Broussard
M.D. · Board certified in internal medicine
Dr. Broussard reviews your intake, decides whether Epithalon is appropriate, and handles any prescription, dose and follow-up. She does not take bookings directly. She is licensed in all 50 states.
About Dr. Broussard →Safety
Is Epithalon right for you?
Tell your physician if you
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive
- Have now or have had cancer
- Have an autoimmune or hormone condition
- Take prescription medications
- Compete in a tested sport
Possible side effects
The most commonly reported is redness, itching or soreness where it is injected.
Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, chest pain or a severe reaction.
About compounded Epithalon
Epithalon is compounded for individual patients by prescription. It is one of six peptides named in an October 2026 federal policy on compounding by licensed pharmacies. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Your physician will explain what that means before you decide.
Be careful buying peptides online. “Research peptides” give you no way to verify what you are getting.
FAQs
Epithalon questions, answered
What is Epithalon?
Epithalon, also spelled Epitalon, is a small peptide made of four amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and glycine. It is a lab-made version of a compound found in the pineal gland, the small gland in the brain that helps set your sleep and wake cycle.
What is Epithalon used for?
People most often ask about it for healthy aging, sleep, energy and overall well-being.
How do I get started at TruSpine?
Book a free telehealth consult with Dr. Supreet Shah. After your consult you complete a short intake, and Dr. Crystal Broussard, M.D. reviews it and decides whether Epithalon is appropriate for you.
How does Epithalon work?
Epithalon has been shown to activate telomerase, the enzyme that maintains telomeres. It also supports the pineal gland's production of melatonin and has antioxidant effects.
What are telomeres?
Telomeres are protective caps on the ends of your chromosomes, a bit like the plastic tips on shoelaces. They get shorter each time a cell divides, and their length is one of the markers researchers use to study cellular aging.
Can Epithalon help with sleep?
Epithalon has been studied for its role in melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep and wake cycle. Let us know at your consult if sleep is one of your goals.
How is Epithalon taken?
Epithalon is a small injection under the skin that you do at home. It is usually prescribed in short courses, often once or twice a year, rather than every day year-round. Dr. Broussard sets your dose and schedule.
Where was Epithalon developed?
Epithalon was developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson and his team at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in Russia, where it has been studied for more than 35 years.
Is Epithalon FDA-approved?
No. Epithalon is not an FDA-approved medication. When prescribed, it is prepared by a compounding pharmacy for an individual patient. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Dr. Broussard will explain what that means before you decide.
Can I combine Epithalon with other peptides?
Some patients ask about pairing it with sermorelin or NAD+. Dr. Broussard will review whether a combination makes sense for you.
How long does it take to notice a difference?
It varies from person to person. Dr. Broussard will set a time frame for checking in on your goals.
What are the side effects?
The most commonly reported are redness, itching or soreness where it is injected. Tell your provider about anything unusual.
Can athletes use Epithalon?
If you compete in a tested sport, check your sport's rules first. The World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits many peptides that are not approved medications.
How much does Epithalon cost?
It depends on your dose and how many courses you do. We will go over the exact cost during your free consult, before you decide anything. Insurance usually does not cover peptides.
Who should not use Epithalon?
It is not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people who have now or have had cancer. Tell your physician if you take prescription medications or have an autoimmune or hormone condition.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Prescriptions are issued only when a physician determines they are appropriate. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Individual results vary.
Curious whether Epithalon is right for you?
Book a free telehealth consult. There is no cost and no obligation, and you can do it from home.