Kisspeptin
Also known as: Kisspeptin-10 · Kisspeptin-54 · Metastin
Contents
MW
1302.45 Da
Amino Acids
10 AA
Half-Life
28 minutes
Route
SubQ, IV
CAS
374675-21-5
Formula
C63H83N13O14
Amino Acid Sequence
YNWNSFGLRF-NH2
Mechanism of Action
Kisspeptin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene that serves as the master regulator of the reproductive axis. Kisspeptin-10 (the 10-amino acid C-terminal active fragment) is the clinically used form.
PRIMARY MECHANISM — KISS1R/GPR54 ACTIVATION: Binds KISS1R (GPR54) on hypothalamic GnRH neurons → triggers pulsatile GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) release → LH and FSH secretion from anterior pituitary → gonadal steroid production (testosterone in men, estrogen/progesterone in women).
MASTER REGULATOR: Kisspeptin neurons integrate metabolic (leptin), circadian, and stress signals to control reproductive function. Loss-of-function KISS1R mutations cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism — demonstrating kisspeptin's essential role.
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS: Being investigated as (1) fertility treatment to trigger ovulation, (2) diagnostic tool for pubertal disorders, (3) means to restart suppressed HPG axis (e.g., after anabolic steroid use).
Unlike GnRH analogs (leuprolide, buserelin) which cause desensitization with continuous use, kisspeptin may produce more physiologic pulsatile GnRH release.
Dosing Protocol
Low Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Standard Dose
███ mcg/day
High Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Dosing protocols are for paid members
Get exact dosing ranges, injection frequency, timing rationale, and reconstitution math.
Get Clinical Access — $79/moFrequency
Single or repeated boluses in clinical research setting.
Half-Life
28 minutes
Reconstitution Guide
Full reconstitution protocol with BAC water volumes, concentration math, and units-to-draw per dose is available on the Clinical plan.
Unlock reconstitution guide →Clinical Warnings
Rapid LH surge — requires clinical monitoring.
Not for self-administration.
May trigger ovarian hyperstimulation in women.
Not FDA approved for clinical use yet.
HPG axis disruption if misused.
Contraindications
Absolute
Pregnancy
Hormone-sensitive cancers
Relative Cautions
PCOS
Hypothalamic amenorrhea
Hypogonadism
Side Effect Profile
Mild
- ●Flushing
- ●Headache
- ●Mild nausea
Moderate
- ●Abdominal discomfort
- ●Hot flashes
Severe (Rare)
- ●Ovarian hyperstimulation (in IVF)
Synergistic Peptides
Common Stacks
PT-141
Research Status
ACTIVE CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT. PMID 26040266 (Jayasena 2014): Pulsatile LH stimulation in men and women. PMID 33811296 (Abbara 2021): Fertility outcomes. Multiple ongoing clinical trials for reproductive medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Kisspeptin work?
Kisspeptin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene that serves as the master regulator of the reproductive axis. Kisspeptin-10 (the 10-amino acid C-terminal active fragment) is the clinically used form. PRIMARY MECHANISM — KISS1R/GPR54 ACTIVATION: Binds KISS1R (GPR54) on hypothalamic GnRH neurons → triggers pulsatile GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) release → LH and FSH secretion from anterior pituitary → gonadal steroid production (testosterone in men, estrogen/progestero
What is the standard dose of Kisspeptin?
Kisspeptin dosing protocols are available with a ClinPep Clinical subscription. Dosing varies by indication and patient factors — consult a licensed healthcare provider. General frequency: Single or repeated boluses in clinical research setting.
What is the half-life of Kisspeptin?
The half-life of Kisspeptin is 28 minutes. This determines optimal dosing frequency and timing.
Who should not use Kisspeptin?
Kisspeptin is absolutely contraindicated in: Pregnancy; Hormone-sensitive cancers. Use with caution in: PCOS; Hypothalamic amenorrhea; Hypogonadism.
What are the side effects of Kisspeptin?
Common mild side effects include: Flushing, Headache, Mild nausea. Moderate effects: Abdominal discomfort, Hot flashes.
What peptides stack well with Kisspeptin?
Kisspeptin is commonly stacked with: PT-141, Melanotan II.
How do you reconstitute Kisspeptin?
Kisspeptin is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Exact volumes, concentrations, and units-to-draw calculations are available in the ClinPep Clinical plan. Always follow your compounding pharmacy's instructions.
How long should you cycle Kisspeptin?
Kisspeptin cycle protocols vary by indication. Detailed cycle length, on/off schedules, and monitoring guidelines are available with ClinPep Clinical access. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized cycling guidance.
References & Citations
10 PubMed studies · 3 clinical trials
KNDy neurons as an indirect target of insulin-like growth factor-1.
Silva Josiane do N, de Sousa Ligia M M, de Sousa Maria E, Vieira Henrique R et al.. Journal of neuroendocrinology. 2026
Neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) that coexpress kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin (KNDy neurons) are considered the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator
The role of hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons in coordinating reproduction and metabolism.
Rønnekleiv Oline K, Qiu Jian, Kelly Martin J. Journal of neuroendocrinology. 2026
The hypothalamic control of fertility is a quintessential homeostatic function. Given that reproduction is metabolically demanding, coordination between energy status and reproductive function is esse
Haploinsufficiency of Sox2 causes fewer GnRH neurons and delayed puberty in mice.
Cassin Jessica, Dunn Geneva A, Nguyen Ryan D, Chen Vivian et al.. Endocrinology. 2026
Mutations in the SOX2 gene have been previously linked to a syndromic form of isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, with additional ocular and neurodevelopmental phenotypes. Recently, we reported a
The hypothalamic effects of PACAP on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in male mice.
Faludi Péter, Barabás Klaudia, Lengyel Ferenc, Udvarácz Ildikó et al.. Frontiers in endocrinology. 2025
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a member of the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neuropeptide family and plays a role in the regulation of several releasing hormones a
Dual rescue mission: P-G3 dendrimer addresses ovarian and neuroendocrine roots of obesity-linked subfertility.
Nie Yunhan, Kuang Zhe, Si Jiqiang, Huang Yuting et al.. Journal of advanced research. 2025
The dual pathology of obesity-induced infertility, which encompasses both peripheral (ovarian) and central (hypothalamic-pituitary) mechanisms, is well documented. However, existing therapeutic approa
Acupuncture and the HPO Axis: A Review of Neuroendocrine Mechanisms With Implications for Ovarian Function.
Bu Yu, Yan Jinglan, Zhang Zhen, Xue Song et al.. Journal of integrative neuroscience. 2025
Declining fertility due to ovarian dysfunction is a critical concern for population sustainability. Acupuncture shows potential for ovarian functional restoration, primarily mediated through its neuro
Molecular pathways affecting reproductive efficiency in seasonal breeders: prospects and implications for improving fertility in donkeys.
Akhtar Muhammad Faheem, Ali Shahzad, Hassan Faizul, Changfa Wang. Frontiers in veterinary science. 2025
Intense neuroendocrine and molecular pathways with environmental sensitivity maintain reproductive efficiency in seasonal breeders, together with donkeys. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis
Neuronal plasticity at puberty in mouse hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons that control fertility.
Zhang Yuanxin, Pakulat Leonie M, Takács Szabolcs, Campbell Lauren et al.. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 2025
Puberty is a critical transition period to achieve reproductive capacity in all mammalian species. At puberty, hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons release kisspeptin, stimulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone
Registered Clinical Trials
Molecules Associated with Pediatric Obesity
The Impact of Time-restricted Eating on the Outcomes Associated With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Detection of Kisspeptins and miRNAs in Patients With Non-viable Pregnancy
Symptom Indications
Full Clinical Access
Complete Kisspeptin Protocol
Access reconstitution math, cycle guides, drug interaction checker, stack builder with contraindication analysis, symptom checker, and downloadable PDF handouts.
Secure payment powered by Stripe.
This information is for educational and research reference purposes only. ClinPep does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All protocols should be reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider.