Kisspeptin
Also called Kisspeptin-10; kisspeptin-54
A natural reproductive hormone signal that sits upstream of GnRH, LH and FSH. Human studies show effects on hormones, sexual-response processing and egg maturation, but most used kisspeptin-54, not the kisspeptin-10 commonly sold.
Overview
What it is
A peptide that acts on the KISS1R receptor. Kisspeptin-10 and kisspeptin-54 have different lengths and their results are not interchangeable.
How it works
It triggers GnRH release, which leads the pituitary to release LH and FSH.
What the research shows
Kisspeptin-10 raised LH and FSH in men, with varied responses in women by cycle phase. Short kisspeptin-54 infusions changed brain responses to sexual cues in women and men with low sexual desire. In IVF, kisspeptin-54 triggered egg maturation, including in a 60-woman study at high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation. Repeated daily use in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea lost effect over two weeks.
Studied for
- Reproductive hormone releasehuman studies
- Sexual brain processingshort crossover trials
- IVF egg maturationphase 2
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
FDA flags compounded kisspeptin-10 for immune-reaction and impurity concerns and limited safety data. Repeated stimulation may blunt the response.
Regulatory status
Kisspeptin-10 is not a component of an FDA-approved drug. On FDA's list of compounding substances with potential safety risks.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Kisspeptin (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 10 mg Kisspeptin
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 3.33 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 33.33 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- How often
- Once per day (subcutaneous).
- Typical range
- 100–200 mcg once daily (gradual titration).
- Cycle length
- 8–12 weeks; avoid prolonged continuous use to prevent tachyphylaxis.
Standard / Gradual Approach
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 100 mcg | 3 units (0.03 mL) |
| Weeks 3–8 (or 3–12) | 200 mcg | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
How to mix
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Dosing details
- Start: 100 mcg daily for 1–2 weeks to assess sensitivity.
- Titrate: Increase to 200 mcg daily if tolerated and necessary.
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous).
- Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks; avoid prolonged continuous use to prevent tachyphylaxis.
- Timing: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites.
Storage
- Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions with desiccant if possible.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); follow the exact product’s expiration or validated stability information; avoid freeze–thaw.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
Administration technique
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry completely.
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue (45° for thin individuals, 90° with adequate fat).
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen at least 2 inches from navel, outer thighs, upper arms, upper buttocks) to avoid tissue irritation.
- Use a new sterile syringe for each injection; dispose of used syringes in a proper sharps container.
Important notes
- Use new sterile insulin syringes; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Does kisspeptin raise testosterone?
It can briefly raise LH in men, but that is not a proven treatment for low testosterone.
Does it help with weight loss?
The studies were about reproduction, not weight.
How long does it take to work?
Hormone changes happen in hours, but no timeline exists for fertility or wellbeing benefits.
Related in Hormones and Reproductive Health
Sources and further reading (6)
- FDA. Evaluation of kisspeptin-10, 2024.
- Kisspeptin-10 effects on reproductive hormones show sexual dimorphism, 2011.
- Kisspeptin-54 triggers egg maturation in IVF, 2014.
- Kisspeptin-54 trigger in women at high risk of OHSS, 2015.
- Kisspeptin and sexual brain processing in women with HSDD, 2022.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: KISS (Kisspeptin) Research Use Only