Kisspeptin
Also known as: KP-10, KP-54, Metastin
KISS1 Gene Product | Reproductive Neuropeptide
Overview
Kisspeptin acts as a master regulator of the reproductive system, stimulating GnRH neurons essential for puberty, fertility, and reproductive function.
Key benefits
- Potent reproductive hormone stimulation (LH/FSH)
- Restoration of natural testosterone production
- Fertility enhancement
- Sexual function support
- Hypogonadism treatment potential
Mechanism of action
Binds to GPR54/KISS1R receptors on hypothalamic GnRH neurons, triggering pulsatile GnRH release, which stimulates pituitary LH/FSH secretion and gonadal steroid production.
Molecular data
- Type
- Neuropeptide family (RFamide)
- Half-life
- ~4 minutes (KP-10), ~28-32 minutes (KP-54)
Sequence
Kisspeptin-10: Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Reproductive
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Most effectiveRestores reproductive hormone secretion in functional or congenital cases by stimulating dormant GnRH axis.
IVF Ovulation Trigger
Most effectiveTriggers oocyte maturation with 45% live birth rate and zero severe OHSS cases; safer than hCG.
Hypothalamic Amenorrhea
EffectiveRestores reproductive hormone pulsatility in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea.
Sexual Function
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (Men)
EffectiveModulates sexual brain processing; increases penile tumescence by 56% vs placebo.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (Women)
EffectiveModulates sexual and attraction brain processing; increases self-reported sexiness.
Metabolic
Energy Metabolism
ModeratePreclinical evidence suggests influence on energy expenditure and activity levels.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Injectable
Standard administration route; allows precise dosing and rapid hormone stimulation.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonadotropin stimulation | 100-200mcg | Single dose or 2-3x weekly | SubQ |
| Fertility support | 0.4-1.0 nmol/kg (50-150mcg) | As directed by physician | SubQ (KP-54) |
| Sexual function (clinical) | 1 nmol/kg/h | 75-minute IV infusion | IV infusion |
Preparation
You will need
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- Insulin syringes (0.5-1 mL)
- Alcohol swabs
- Sterile work surface
Steps
- Clean work area and hands thoroughly with alcohol
- Calculate required BAC water volume
- Draw calculated water into syringe
- Inject slowly down vial side (not directly onto powder)
- Gently swirl until dissolved (never shake)
- Store in refrigerator at 2-8°C
- Use within 7 days for KP-10; 14 days for KP-54
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Nasal
Emerging non-invasive delivery method; 2025 research demonstrates effectiveness with stable formulations.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonadotropin stimulation (research) | 12.8 nmol/kg | Single dose | Intranasal |
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
GnRH
SynergisticKisspeptin stimulates GnRH release; works upstream in reproductive axis.
HCG
CompatibleServes as potentially safer alternative for IVF ovulation triggering.
Testosterone
CompatibleRestores natural testosterone production through LH stimulation.
Estrogen
CompatibleKisspeptin function modulated by sex steroids in feedback loops.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- Hours 2-5
LH surge peaks at 3-5x baseline
- Hours 12-14
LH returns to baseline
- Days 1-2
Testosterone/estradiol increase in response to LH
- Weeks 2-4
Potential improvements in sexual function and libido
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Minimal acute side effects reported
- Potential mild cardiovascular effects
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- Ovarian hyperstimulation signs: severe pelvic pain, bloating, nausea
- Chest pain or cardiovascular symptoms
- Severe headaches or visual disturbances
- Persistent injection site reactions
Contraindications
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Caution with cardiovascular disease history
- Daily dosing causes receptor desensitization
Monitoring
- Use sterile injection technique
- Avoid daily administration (maximum 2-3x/week)
- Monitor for ovarian hyperstimulation in women
- Consult reproductive endocrinologist for fertility use
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- White, fluffy powder; proper freeze-drying indicated
- Clear solution after reconstitution; no particles or cloudiness
- Protected from light in amber/opaque vials
Warning signs
- Slight compaction acceptable if dissolves completely with gentle swirling
Stop signs — don't use
- Discoloration or yellowing indicates oxidation/degradation
- Cloudy after reconstitution indicates degradation or contamination
Recent research
Newer papers and trial readouts on file for this compound, with source and date.
2025 · Endocrine Reviews
Kisspeptin and Neurokinin B: Roles in Reproductive Health
Comprehensive review of kisspeptin's role as the natural inductor of ovulation, with expanding research into IVF trigger use and management of reproductive disorders.
2025 · Reproductive Sciences
Kisspeptins Regulating Fertility: Potential Future Therapeutic Approach in Infertility Treatment
Exogenous kisspeptins show significant promise in restoring fertility, with studies advancing in ovarian stimulation protocols and cryoprotection during vitrification.
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
Effects of Kisspeptin on Sexual Brain Processing and Penile Tumescence in Men With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Mills EG, Sheridan H, Bhushan S, et al. (Dhillo WS senior author) · JAMA Network Open · 2023
32 men completed trial. Kisspeptin-54 IV (1 nmol/kg/h for 75 min) significantly modulated sexual brain processing and increased penile tumescence by up to 56% vs placebo. Potential as first pharmacological treatment for male HSDD.
Effects of Kisspeptin Administration in Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Sheridan H, Mills EG, Sherwood RA, et al. (Jayasena CD, Dhillo WS senior authors) · JAMA Network Open · 2022
Double-masked, placebo-controlled, 2-way crossover trial in women with HSDD. Kisspeptin modulated sexual and facial attraction brain processing, with hippocampal activation correlating with distress and reduced sexual aversion.
Efficacy of Kisspeptin-54 to Trigger Oocyte Maturation in Women at High Risk of OHSS During IVF Therapy
Jayasena CN, Abbara A, Comninos AN, et al. (Dhillo WS senior author) · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2015
Live birth rates of 45% overall per transfer; 62% at optimal 9.6 nmol/kg dose. Zero cases of moderate, severe, or critical OHSS. Oocyte maturation in 95% of women.
Intranasal Kisspeptin Administration Rapidly Stimulates Gonadotropin Release in Humans
Sheridan H, Sherwood RA, Sheridan C, et al. (Dhillo WS senior author) · eBioMedicine · 2025
Intranasal kisspeptin-54 (12.8 nmol/kg) rapidly stimulated LH release in healthy men (+4.4 IU/L), healthy women (+1.4 IU/L), and women with hypothalamic amenorrhea (+4.4 IU/L). Formulation stable for 60 days at 4°C.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.