Kisspeptin-10
Also known as: KP-10, Metastin(112-121), KISS1R agonist
Kisspeptin-10 is a research compound. Kisspeptin analogs are under active clinical investigation for fertility treatment but are not currently FDA-approved. For informational purposes only.
Overview
Kisspeptin-10 is the biologically active 10-amino acid C-terminal fragment of kisspeptin, a neuropeptide that acts as the master regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. By activating KISS1R (GPR54) in the hypothalamus, it triggers pulsatile GnRH release, which drives LH, FSH, and downstream testosterone and estrogen production. It is the upstream signal that 'turns on' the reproductive axis — with research applications spanning fertility, hypogonadism, post-cycle therapy support, and age-related hormonal decline.
Research Summary
Kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus form the pulse generator for GnRH secretion — without kisspeptin signaling, reproductive function ceases. Human clinical trials confirm that IV kisspeptin-10 produces rapid, dose-dependent LH pulses in both males and females, restoring hormonal function in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Kisspeptin-54 (the longer form) has been studied in human fertility treatments with successful outcomes. Unlike direct LH/FSH administration, kisspeptin works upstream at the hypothalamus, preserving the natural pulsatile release pattern and avoiding receptor desensitization associated with continuous GnRH agonists.
Dosing Range
low
50mcg
moderate
100mcg
high
250mcg
Units: mcg · Frequency: 1–2x daily (pulsatile administration is important — avoid continuous infusion)
Dosing ranges are aggregated from preclinical research and community protocols. Not medical dosing guidance.
Administration Routes
Reconstitution Notes
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water to 1mg/mL. Pulsatile administration is critical — continuous kisspeptin suppresses GnRH rather than stimulating it (similar to GnRH agonist paradox). Subcutaneous once or twice daily mimics physiological pulsatility adequately. Stable 28 days refrigerated.Step-by-step reconstitution guide →
Supplies you'll need
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Reported Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Nausea (mild, uncommon)
- Potential for over-stimulation of the HPG axis at high doses (rarely significant)
- Theoretical desensitization with continuous (non-pulsatile) dosing
- Flushing
Research Papers
3 peer-reviewed sourcesCommunity Experiences
Aggregated from public forums. Anecdotal — not clinical evidence.
Community protocols using kisspeptin-10 for natural testosterone restoration, PCT support, and fertility.
View original threadCommunity discussion on kisspeptin for post-cycle therapy as an upstream HPG axis restart mechanism.
View original threadOverview
Kisspeptin is the "master switch" of the reproductive axis. Located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, kisspeptin neurons receive signals about energy status, stress, photoperiod, and steroid feedback — integrating all of these to decide whether to pulse GnRH or not. Without kisspeptin signaling, the entire HPG cascade stops.
This makes kisspeptin-10 uniquely positioned: it restores hormonal function by working at the top of the axis, triggering natural pulsatile GnRH release rather than directly injecting LH or testosterone.
The HPG Axis Cascade
Kisspeptin → GnRH → LH + FSH → Testosterone / Estradiol
Each step is amplified: a small kisspeptin pulse triggers a larger GnRH pulse, which triggers an even larger LH pulse, which then drives testosterone synthesis. This cascade leverage means low doses of kisspeptin produce significant downstream hormonal responses.
Why Pulsatility Matters
The reproductive axis is critically dependent on pulsatile rather than continuous GnRH signaling:
- Pulsatile GnRH: Maintains LH/FSH production → normal testosterone
- Continuous GnRH: Desensitizes pituitary receptors → LH/FSH suppression → testosterone crash
This is exactly how GnRH agonists (Lupron, Synarel) work for prostate cancer and endometriosis — continuous administration paradoxically suppresses the axis.
Kisspeptin administered once or twice daily mimics pulsatile physiology, preserving the stimulatory response. This is the critical dosing insight: do not administer kisspeptin continuously.
Post-Cycle and Hypogonadism Applications
After anabolic steroid or GH cycle, the HPG axis is suppressed at the hypothalamic level — the arcuate nucleus kisspeptin neurons reduce pulsing due to negative feedback from exogenous androgens. Recovery requires re-sensitization of this system.
Kisspeptin-10 targets this exact failure point — it directly reactivates the GnRH pulse generator, upstream of clomiphene (which works at the pituitary) and Nolvadex (which works at the pituitary/hypothalamus via estrogen receptor blockade).
Clinical Use — Fertility
Kisspeptin-54 (the longer, more stable form) has been used in human IVF protocols to trigger final oocyte maturation — with clinical outcomes comparable to standard hCG trigger shots but with significantly lower risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This is now a registered clinical use in some centers.
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