Kisspeptin
KISS1 Gene Product · Reproductive Neuropeptide
Kisspeptin acts as a master regulator of the reproductive system, stimulating GnRH neurons essential for puberty, fertility, and reproductive function.
Overview
Kisspeptin acts as a master regulator of the reproductive system, stimulating GnRH neurons essential for puberty, fertility, and reproductive function.
Binds to GPR54/KISS1R receptors on hypothalamic GnRH neurons, triggering pulsatile GnRH release, which stimulates pituitary LH/FSH secretion and gonadal steroid production.
Research indications
What the compound has been studied for, grouped by body system. Effect size is the reported magnitude where it was measured — not a recommendation.
Restores reproductive hormone secretion in functional or congenital cases by stimulating dormant GnRH axis.
Triggers oocyte maturation with 45% live birth rate and zero severe OHSS cases; safer than hCG.
Restores reproductive hormone pulsatility in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea.
Modulates sexual brain processing; increases penile tumescence by 56% vs placebo.
Modulates sexual and attraction brain processing; increases self-reported sexiness.
Preclinical evidence suggests influence on energy expenditure and activity levels.
A large effect in a weak study and a small effect in a strong one are different things. Effect size is never evidence of use in people.
- Class
- Neuropeptide family (RFamide)
- Chain length
- 10 residues
- Molecular weight
- 1213.42 Da
- Half-life
- ~4 min
- Typical dose
- 100-200 mcg per injection
- Frequency
- Single dose for testing, or 2-3 times weekly (NEVER daily - causes desensitization)
- Cycle length
- 2-4 weeks
- Storage
- Lyophilized: Room temperature. Reconstituted: 2-8°C. KP-10: use within 7 days. KP-54: use within 14 days
Molecular data
- Type
- Neuropeptide family (RFamide)
- Molecular weight
- 1213.42 Da
- Chain length
- 10 residues
- Half-life
- 4 min
Dosing reference
Doses reported in the literature and by suppliers. These are a record of what has been used in research — reference, never instruction.
| Context | Route | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonadotropin stimulation | SubQ | 100-200mcg | Single dose or 2-3x weekly |
| Fertility support | SubQ (KP-54) | 0.4-1.0 nmol/kg (50-150mcg) | As directed by physician |
| Sexual function (clinical) | IV infusion | 1 nmol/kg/h | 75-minute IV infusion |
| Gonadotropin stimulation (research) | Intranasal | 12.8 nmol/kg | Single dose |
Interactions
Kisspeptin stimulates GnRH release; works upstream in reproductive axis.
Serves as potentially safer alternative for IVF ovulation triggering.
Restores natural testosterone production through LH stimulation.
Kisspeptin function modulated by sex steroids in feedback loops.
Quality checklist
- ✓White, fluffy powder; proper freeze-drying indicated
- ✓Clear solution after reconstitution; no particles or cloudiness
- ✓Protected from light in amber/opaque vials
- !Slight compaction acceptable if dissolves completely with gentle swirling
- ×Discoloration or yellowing indicates oxidation/degradation
- ×Cloudy after reconstitution indicates degradation or contamination
What to expect
Safety
- Minimal acute side effects reported
- Potential mild cardiovascular effects
- Ovarian hyperstimulation signs: severe pelvic pain, bloating, nausea
- Chest pain or cardiovascular symptoms
- Severe headaches or visual disturbances
- Persistent injection site reactions
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Caution with cardiovascular disease history
- Daily dosing causes receptor desensitization
FAQ
Is kisspeptin better than hCG for IVF ovulation triggering?
Yes, significantly. Kisspeptin-54 achieved 45% live birth rates with zero severe OHSS cases, compared to hCG's higher OHSS incidence. It triggers oocyte maturation more physiologically by stimulating the body's natural LH surge rather than replacing it with exogenous hormone.
Why do men respond to kisspeptin injections?
Kisspeptin stimulates GnRH neurons, triggering the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. A single injection increases LH 3-5 fold, which then stimulates testosterone production. In a 2023 trial, kisspeptin increased penile tumescence by 56% versus placebo in men with erectile dysfunction.
Can I use kisspeptin daily?
No. Daily kisspeptin dosing causes receptor desensitization within days, making the peptide ineffective. Use only 2-3 times weekly maximum. For IVF, a single strategic dose triggers ovulation. For sexual function, spacing doses 48+ hours apart maintains responsiveness.
Is intranasal kisspeptin as effective as injection?
2025 research shows intranasal kisspeptin-54 (12.8 nmol/kg) rapidly stimulates LH in both healthy subjects and women with hypothalamic amenorrhea. It's non-invasive and convenient, though injectable routes remain better studied for reproductive applications.
References
- 1Efficacy of Kisspeptin-54 to Trigger Oocyte Maturation in Women at High Risk of OHSS During IVF TherapyJayasena 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.
reviewPubMed 26192876 ↗ - 2Effects of Kisspeptin Administration in Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Randomized Clinical TrialSheridan 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.
human-rctPubMed 36287566 ↗ - 3Effects of Kisspeptin on Sexual Brain Processing and Penile Tumescence in Men With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Randomized Clinical TrialMills 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.
human-rctPubMed 36735255 ↗ - 4Intranasal Kisspeptin Administration Rapidly Stimulates Gonadotropin Release in HumansSheridan 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.
human-pilotPubMed 40215751 ↗