Benefits
- Stimulates natural testosterone and hormone production via the HPG axis — triggers physiological LH and FSH release without introducing exogenous hormonesmoderate
- Fertility treatment potential — induces oocyte maturation and may serve as a safer alternative to hCG for triggering ovulation in IVF, with lower risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndromemoderate
- Reliable diagnostic tool for pubertal disorders — kisspeptin challenge test accurately differentiates hypothalamic amenorrhea from other causes of delayed pubertystrong
- May enhance sexual desire and arousal — fMRI studies show kisspeptin increases brain activity in reward and sexual arousal centers in both men and womenpreliminary
- Potential mood enhancement — activates limbic structures associated with positive mood and emotional processingpreliminary
Dosage Protocols
| Route | Dosage Range | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intravenous bolus (clinical research) | 1–10 mcg/kg | Single bolus for diagnostic or acute studies | IV administration produces a rapid, robust LH pulse within 30–60 minutes. Used in research settings for HPG axis evaluation. |
| Subcutaneous injection (clinical trials) | 6.4 nmol/kg (approximately 9.5 mcg/kg) | Twice daily in clinical trial protocols | Subcutaneous route used in multi-day fertility and sexual function studies. Produces sustained but lower amplitude LH response compared to IV. |
| Subcutaneous infusion (investigational) | 0.1–1.0 nmol/kg/hour | Continuous infusion over 8–24 hours | Pulsatile infusion protocols (mimicking natural kisspeptin secretion) maintain HPG axis activation without tachyphylaxis. Continuous infusion may lead to desensitization. |
Medical disclaimer
Dosage information is provided for educational reference only. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Side Effects
- Hot flashes — transient vasomotor symptoms due to rapid gonadotropin releasecommon
- Headache — reported in clinical trial participants, generally mild and self-limitingcommon
- Abdominal discomfort — mild gastrointestinal symptoms reported in some clinical studiesrare
- Injection site irritation — redness or mild pain at subcutaneous or intravenous injection sitescommon
- Tachyphylaxis with continuous infusion — sustained kisspeptin exposure can paradoxically suppress GnRH release, reducing its effectiveness over timerare
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is kisspeptin different from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
Kisspeptin stimulates your body to produce its own testosterone through the natural HPG axis, whereas TRT introduces exogenous testosterone and suppresses your natural production. With kisspeptin, LH and FSH remain active, preserving fertility and testicular function. TRT, by contrast, suppresses LH and FSH, which can cause testicular atrophy and infertility. Kisspeptin is being studied as a potential alternative for men who want to boost testosterone while maintaining fertility.
Can kisspeptin be used for fertility treatment?
Yes, kisspeptin is being actively researched as a safer trigger for oocyte maturation in IVF protocols. Traditional hCG triggers carry a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can be life-threatening. Kisspeptin triggers a more physiological LH surge with significantly lower OHSS risk. Clinical trials at Imperial College London and other institutions have shown promising results, with successful egg retrievals and pregnancies achieved using kisspeptin triggers.
What is the difference between natural kisspeptin and synthetic kisspeptin-10?
Natural kisspeptin exists in multiple forms (kisspeptin-54, -14, -13, and -10), all cleaved from the same precursor protein encoded by the KISS1 gene. Kisspeptin-10 is the shortest bioactive fragment, containing the 10 C-terminal amino acids required for receptor binding. Synthetic kisspeptin-10 is identical to the natural fragment and retains full activity at the KISS1 receptor. The shorter forms have shorter half-lives but are easier and cheaper to synthesize.
Is kisspeptin available for purchase?
Kisspeptin-10 is available as a research chemical from peptide suppliers, but it is not approved for clinical use by the FDA or other regulatory bodies. It is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for several indications. There are no approved pharmaceutical formulations. Its very short half-life (~28 minutes) makes it impractical for many potential applications outside of clinical settings, and longer-acting analogs are in development.
Does kisspeptin work differently in men vs women?
The core mechanism is the same — kisspeptin activates GnRH neurons and stimulates LH/FSH release in both sexes. However, the downstream effects differ. In men, it primarily boosts testosterone production and may enhance sexual desire. In women, it triggers ovulation and has been studied extensively for IVF applications. Brain imaging studies show that kisspeptin enhances activity in sexual arousal and reward brain regions in both men and women, suggesting sex-independent effects on desire and mood.
References
Last updated: 2026-02-14