WhatPeptide

Kisspeptin-10

Kisspeptin-10 is the biologically active C-terminal decapeptide fragment of kisspeptin, a hypothalamic neuropeptide that acts as the master regulator of GnRH pulse generation and the HPG axis. It is studied for stimulating reproductive hormones and enhancing sexual motivation and arousal. Placed on FDA Category 2 list (September 29, 2023).

Moderate evidence FDA Category 2 Sexual Health

Written by WhatPeptide Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-03-17

FDA Category 2 — compounding availability may be limited.

Half-life

Approximately 4 minutes (3.8 ± 0.3 min in men, 4.1 ± 0.4 min in women)

Dosage range

0.3-10 nmol/kg IV or subcutaneous (clinical research dosing)

Administration

Subcutaneous injection

Research level

Moderate

How Kisspeptin-10 works

Kisspeptin-10 binds the KISS1R (GPR54) receptor on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate and anteroventral periventricular nuclei, triggering pulsatile GnRH release and the downstream cascade of LH, FSH, and gonadal steroid production. Clinical studies have demonstrated that exogenous kisspeptin-10 robustly stimulates LH surges and can restore impaired reproductive function in hypothalamic amenorrhea. Emerging evidence also suggests central effects on sexual arousal via limbic kisspeptin receptor expression.

Also known as: KP-10, Metastin 45-54, Kisspeptin

Research relevance

Sexual Health
Moderate relevance 70

Side effects & safety

Injection site irritation Hot flushes Headache Potential desensitization with continuous dosing

Contraindications

Hormone-sensitive cancers
Pregnancy
Continuous dosing regimens cause receptor desensitization

Consult a healthcare provider before use if any of these apply to you.

Key studies

FAQ

What is Kisspeptin-10? +
Kisspeptin-10 is the biologically active C-terminal decapeptide fragment of kisspeptin, a hypothalamic neuropeptide that acts as the master regulator of GnRH pulse generation and the HPG axis. It is studied for stimulating reproductive hormones and enhancing sexual motivation and arousal. Placed on FDA Category 2 list (September 29, 2023). Its mechanism of action is supported by moderate clinical and preclinical evidence.
What is Kisspeptin-10 researched for? +
Kisspeptin-10 has the strongest research relevance for Sexual Health. Evidence is supported by moderate clinical and preclinical evidence.
What are the side effects of Kisspeptin-10? +
Reported side effects include Injection site irritation, Hot flushes, Headache, Potential desensitization with continuous dosing. Key contraindications: Hormone-sensitive cancers; Pregnancy; Continuous dosing regimens cause receptor desensitization.
Is Kisspeptin-10 FDA approved? +
Kisspeptin-10 is classified as FDA Category 2, meaning compounding availability may be limited.
How is Kisspeptin-10 administered? +
Kisspeptin-10 is typically administered via subcutaneous route. Researched dosage range: 0.3-10 nmol/kg IV or subcutaneous (clinical research dosing). Half-life: Approximately 4 minutes (3.8 ± 0.3 min in men, 4.1 ± 0.4 min in women).

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