Kisspeptin
KISS1 Gene Product | Reproductive Neuropeptide
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What is Kisspeptin?
Kisspeptin is a naturally occurring family of neuropeptides that researchers study for its role in triggering the reproductive hormone system in the brain. Clinical research has looked at it in contexts like fertility treatment and hormone-axis studies, reported here as third-party research findings rather than a consumer product's effects. Research-grade kisspeptin sold here is intended for laboratory study only, not for human use.
Key terms:
Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide family (rfamide).
Kisspeptin is a family of neuropeptides (signals used by nerve cells) encoded by the KISS1 gene. It acts as a master regulator of the reproductive system. It potently stimulates GnRH neurons — the nerve cells that release gonadotropin-releasing hormone. That makes it essential for the start of puberty, fertility, and reproductive function. Research explores its therapeutic potential for infertility, low libido, and reproductive disorders.
Key research areas
- Potent stimulation of reproductive hormones (LH/FSH)
- Restoration of natural testosterone production
- Fertility enhancement
- Sexual function support
- Suitable for addressing hypogonadism and reproductive disorders
Researched dosing
This table reflects the dosing schedules used in clinical research trials of kisspeptin, presented as research methodology, not personal usage guidance.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonadotropin-response studies | 100-200mcg | Single dose or 2-3x/week | SubQ |
| Fertility studies | 0.4-1.0 nmol/kg (50-150mcg) | As directed by physician | SubQ (KP-54) |
| Sexual-function studies | 1 nmol/kg/h | 75 min IV infusion (clinical) | IV infusion |
| Standard study protocol | 0.3-10 nmol/kg | Variable by protocol | IV bolus or SubQ |
Commonly cycled 4 weeks on, 4+ weeks off.
How it works
At the cell level, kisspeptin research looks at how the peptide binds its receptor (GPR54) on hormone-releasing brain cells to trigger a cascade of reproductive-hormone signals — the term below names that receptor-binding step.
Kisspeptin binds to GPR54/KISS1R receptors on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus, triggering pulsatile release of GnRH. This stimulates pituitary secretion of LH and FSH, which in turn promote gonadal steroid production and reproductive function.
Molecular data
These figures — molecular weight, sequence, chain length — are the chemistry ID researchers use to confirm a kisspeptin sample's identity; the two studied forms (a short 10-amino-acid fragment and a longer 54-amino-acid form) differ mainly in how long they stay active.
- Weight
- 1213.42 Da
- Length
- 10 amino acids
- Type
- Neuropeptide family (RFamide)
Kisspeptin-10: Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2 | Kisspeptin-54: 54 amino acid C-terminal fragment
Pharmacokinetics
This chart shows how quickly a research dose of kisspeptin is absorbed and cleared in human studies — its very short window is part of why researchers have also tested longer-acting delivery methods like intranasal spray.
- Peak
- 0.05 hr
- Half-life
- 0.467 hrs
- Cleared
- ~2.3 hrs
Dhillo et al.
Research applications
This section lists the research areas scientists have studied for kisspeptin in clinical trials — including its role in the reproductive hormone axis — presented as a summary of published research, not medical claims or promises about a person's outcomes.
Reproductive
Research demonstrates kisspeptin can restore reproductive hormone secretion in patients with functional or congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism by stimulating the dormant GnRH axis. Kisspeptin-54 successfully triggers oocyte maturation in IVF with 45% live birth rate and zero cases of severe OHSS, offering safer alternative to hCG in high-risk patients. Clinical trials show kisspeptin can restore reproductive hormone pulsatility in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea when administered appropriately.
Sexual
Kisspeptin significantly modulated brain activity in sexual processing networks, increased penile tumescence by up to 56% vs placebo, and enhanced behavioral measures of sexual desire. Modulated sexual and facial attraction brain processing in women with HSDD.
Metabolic
Metabolic research applications including effects on energy metabolism and body composition.
Dosage reference
- Doses used in research
- 100–200 mcg
- Frequency in studies
- Single dose or 2-3x/week
- Handling
- Reconstituted solution — research use only; not for administration
- Timeline reported in studies
- 2-5 hours for LH surge, 24-48 hours for testosterone
- Storage
- Fridge 2-8°C, use within 7-14 days
- Cycle length
- 2-4 weeks
- Break between cycles
- 4+ weeks to prevent desensitization
Interactions
This list shows which other reproductive- and hormone-research compounds scientists study alongside kisspeptin, and why.
Reconstitution & storage
This is the standard laboratory method for turning freeze-dried kisspeptin powder into a liquid research solution — the same basic water-based mixing process used for most peptide research.
- Clean work area and hands thoroughly with alcohol
- Calculate required BAC water volume using calculator below
- Draw calculated BAC water into syringe
- Inject slowly down vial side (not directly onto powder)
- Gently swirl until completely dissolved (never shake)
- Store the reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C), labeled with the date and concentration, for laboratory research use only.
Lyophilized: 2-8°C, use within Stable refrigerated; protect from light
Reconstituted: 2-6°C, use within 7 days for KP-10, up to 14 days for KP-54
Open the Kisspeptin reconstitution calculatorQuality indicators
These are the visual and lab-report checks researchers use to confirm a kisspeptin sample is pure and correctly identified before it goes into a study.
White, Fluffy Powder - Lyophilized kisspeptin should appear as white to off-white, fluffy powder filling the vial bottom. Proper freeze-drying indicator.
Clear Solution After Reconstitution - When properly mixed with BAC water, solution should be crystal clear with no particles, cloudiness, or discoloration.
Protected from Light - Product should arrive in amber or opaque vials, or with light-protective packaging. Kisspeptin is photosensitive.
Slight Compaction - Minor compaction from shipping is acceptable if powder dissolves completely with gentle swirling. Should not remain clumped.
Discoloration or Yellowing - Any yellow, brown, or unusual coloration indicates oxidation or degradation. Kisspeptin should be white to off-white only.
Cloudy After Reconstitution - Persistent cloudiness, particles, or precipitates after gentle mixing indicate degraded, contaminated, or improperly manufactured peptide.
What to expect
This timeline reflects what limited published research has reported — research context for comparing studies, not a personal-results promise.
Potential improvements in sexual function and libido
Safety notes
This section covers handling cautions and regulatory notes for kisspeptin — research-use-only scope and a documented tachyphylaxis (reduced response with repeated dosing) caution from the research literature, not medical advice.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Consult reproductive endocrinologist for fertility applications
- Monitor for signs of ovarian hyperstimulation in women
- May cause cardiovascular effects (vasoconstriction) - caution with heart disease
- CRITICAL: Avoid daily administration - causes tachyphylaxis (desensitization)
- Recommended frequency: 2-3x per week maximum
Regulatory status
- Not approved by the FDA for any indication.
- Supplied and described for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
Community data
Community Insights
Based on data the community reported. Not clinical proof.
References
Intranasal kisspeptin-54 rapidly stimulated gonadotropin release in healthy men and women and patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea without side effects. Demonstrated non-invasive delivery method with stable formulation for 60 days at 4°C.
Kisspeptin significantly modulated brain activity in sexual processing networks, increased penile tumescence by up to 56% vs placebo, and enhanced behavioral measures of sexual desire.
Kisspeptin administration modulated sexual and facial attraction brain processing. Exploratory analysis showed increased self-reported ratings of feeling sexy compared with placebo.