Kisspeptin

Kisspeptin-10 · Kisspeptin-54 · KP-10 · Metastin

Rank#999
HormonalNot ApprovedPhase IIIResearchSubQIV

Popular for:Fertility treatment, hormone optimization, GnRH regulation, reproductive health

3207

Total Studies

1184

Human Studies

Phase III

Evidence Level

Not Approved

FDA Status

Overview

Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide that acts as the master regulator of the reproductive hormone axis. Discovered in 2003, it stimulates GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) release from the hypothalamus, which triggers the cascade of LH and FSH secretion from the pituitary — the fundamental hormonal signals controlling reproduction.

Kisspeptin is being studied as a more physiological alternative to GnRH analogs in fertility treatments. Unlike GnRH agonists which can cause receptor desensitization, kisspeptin stimulates the natural GnRH pulse generator, potentially offering a safer approach to ovulation induction and IVF protocols.

Mechanism of Action

Kisspeptin binds to the GPR54 receptor (also called KISS1R) on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. This activates the GnRH pulse generator, causing release of GnRH which stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete LH and FSH. Kisspeptin neurons integrate metabolic, circadian, and stress signals, acting as a gatekeeper for reproductive function. This is why conditions like extreme dieting or stress can suppress fertility — they suppress kisspeptin signaling.

Key Research Benefits

Master regulator of the reproductive hormone axis
Studied as safer alternative to GnRH analogs for fertility
Researched for IVF protocols with lower OHSS risk
May support natural testosterone production in men
Investigated for metabolic regulation and mood effects
Human clinical trials at Imperial College London (Dhillo lab)

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

3207

Total Studies

1184

Human Studies

Not FDA-approved. Active clinical trials at Imperial College London and other academic centers. Research compound. Strong pipeline for fertility applications.

Key Studies / PubMed References

3,207 studies found on PubMed · showing top 25 by relevance

View all on PubMed

Intranasal kisspeptin administration rapidly stimulates gonadotropin release in humans.

Human Study

Mills EG, Silva MSB, Delli V, et al. · EBioMedicine · 2025

PMID: 40215751

Kisspeptin system-physiology and clinical perspectives.

Review

Stoynev N, Kumanov P · Annales d'endocrinologie · 2025

PMID: 40446957

Kisspeptin signaling in astrocytes modulates the reproductive axis.

In Vitro

Torres E, Pellegrino G, Granados-Rodríguez M, et al. · The Journal of clinical investigation · 2024

PMID: 38861336

Kisspeptin and Endometriosis-Is There a Link?

Review

Meczekalski B, Nowicka A, Bochynska S, et al. · Journal of clinical medicine · 2024

PMID: 39768606

Effects of kisspeptin on the maturation of human ovarian primordial follicles.

Review

Rezaei-Tazangi F, Kooshesh L, Tayyebiazar A, et al. · Zygote (Cambridge, England) · 2024

PMID: 38099429

Side Effects & Safety

Headache
Hot flashes
Injection site reactions
Potential ovarian hyperstimulation in women (lower risk than GnRH analogs)
Limited long-term safety data for exogenous use

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for Kisspeptin yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Kisspeptin is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.