Kisspeptin-10: The Upstream Switch of the Reproductive Axis
A decapeptide fragment of human kisspeptin, sitting upstream of the entire reproductive hormone axis by triggering GnRH release.
What is Kisspeptin-10?
Kisspeptin-10 is a synthetic decapeptide corresponding to the active C-terminal fragment of the human KISS1 gene product. It activates the KISS1R (GPR54) receptor on GnRH neurons, triggering pulsatile GnRH release and downstream LH/FSH secretion — placing it upstream of the entire hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. It's studied in reproductive endocrinology and fertility research, and more recently in libido and HPG-axis research contexts. No formal human dosing protocol or FDA approval exists; it's sold only as a research compound.
Quick facts
- Molecular Formula
- C63H83N17O14
- Molecular Weight
- 1302.45 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 374675-21-5
- Sequence
- Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2
- Class
- Decapeptide, KISS1R (GPR54) receptor agonist
- Brand Names
- No trademarked brand — sold as a research compound
- Legal Status
- Not FDA-approved for human use — research use only (RUO)
- Category
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Storage
- Store the lyophilized vial refrigerated (2-8°C) or at -20°C, away from light. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated at 2-8°C and use promptly.
Dosing at a glance
5mg vial + 2mL bacteriostatic water = 2500mcg/mL. Run the numbers in the reconstitution calculator.
Doses shown are those reported in published research, not a recommendation.
Kisspeptin-10 Mechanism of Action
Gatekeeper of the HPG Axis
Kisspeptin-10 activates the KISS1R (GPR54) receptor on GnRH-producing neurons in the hypothalamus, triggering pulsatile GnRH release. This in turn drives LH and FSH secretion from the pituitary — placing kisspeptin signaling upstream of essentially the entire hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, making it a master regulatory node for reproductive hormone production.
Puberty and Fertility Research Origin
Kisspeptin signaling was identified as essential for the onset of puberty and normal reproductive function — loss-of-function mutations in the KISS1R gene cause failure to enter puberty. This foundational biology is why kisspeptin-10 is studied in fertility and reproductive endocrinology research, including as a potential tool for triggering ovulation in IVF protocols.
Kisspeptin-10 Dosage and Protocols
No Standardized Protocol
Research and vendor-typical dosing centers around 100mcg subcutaneous, though timing and frequency protocols vary considerably across research use and no formally validated general-use dosing schedule exists outside controlled clinical-research contexts like IVF ovulation triggering.
Kisspeptin-10 Side Effects and Safety
HPG-Axis-Related Risks
Given its mechanism of directly stimulating the HPG axis, theoretical concerns include effects on hormone-sensitive tissue and cycle disruption. Active hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate, breast) and pregnancy are treated as contraindications given the direct reproductive-hormone-axis mechanism. No comprehensive general-population safety data exists.
Kisspeptin-10 Research Evidence
Reproductive Endocrinology Focus
Most published kisspeptin-10 research centers on its role in LH/FSH secretion, ovulation triggering, and puberty physiology, studied in controlled clinical research settings (e.g. IVF ovulation-trigger studies) rather than as a general-purpose self-administered compound. Libido and general HPG-axis research use is a newer, less-studied application.
Regulatory and Legal Status
Kisspeptin-10 has no FDA-approved indication for general use and is not approved for human consumption outside controlled clinical research settings. It is sold to the general public exclusively as a research-grade compound (RUO). Researchers and users should verify the legal status of kisspeptin-10 in their jurisdiction prior to purchase or use.
Kisspeptin-10 Stacking and Combinations
Standalone HPG-Axis Research
Kisspeptin-10 is typically used as a standalone research compound targeting the HPG axis rather than combined with other peptides — its mechanism (upstream GnRH stimulation) doesn't have an established synergistic pairing in the way growth-hormone secretagogues are commonly combined.
Kisspeptin-10 Pharmacokinetics
Rapid Clearance
As an unmodified decapeptide, kisspeptin-10 is cleared rapidly from circulation — on the order of minutes — consistent with other small, unstabilized peptides. This short half-life is part of why clinical research uses continuous or repeated-pulse infusion protocols rather than single injections when studying sustained HPG-axis effects.
Contraindications
- pregnancy
- active hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate, breast)
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical Kisspeptin-10 dose?
Published research protocols report ~100 mcg, research protocol-dependent. This is the range described in the literature, not a recommendation.
What is the half-life of Kisspeptin-10?
Very short (minutes) — unmodified decapeptide with rapid enzymatic clearance.
Is Kisspeptin-10 backed by strong evidence?
Kisspeptin-10 carries a REGEN research grade of B. REGEN Research Tier B — controlled human studies confined to reproductive endocrinology, with no approval.
How is Kisspeptin-10 administered?
Routes reported in the literature: subcutaneous.
Who should avoid Kisspeptin-10?
Contraindications noted in the literature include pregnancy, active hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate, breast).