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Peptide Database

Reproductive & sexual-function research

Kisspeptin (KP-10): Research Overview

Neuropeptide that switches on the reproductive hormone axis, studied in fertility research.

Also known as KP-10 · metastin · KISS1 gene product

Research use onlyStrongest evidence: controlled clinical trialReviewed
DatabaseReferences

What is Kisspeptin?

Kisspeptin acts as a master regulator of the reproductive system, stimulating GnRH neurons essential for puberty, fertility, and reproductive function.

What is Kisspeptin researched for?

  • Restores reproductive hormone secretion in functional or congenital cases by stimulating dormant GnRH axis.
  • Triggers oocyte maturation with 45% live birth rate and zero severe OHSS cases; safer than hCG.
  • Restores reproductive hormone pulsatility in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea.
  • Modulates sexual brain processing; increases penile tumescence by 56% vs placebo.
  • Modulates sexual and attraction brain processing; increases self-reported sexiness.
  • Preclinical evidence suggests influence on energy expenditure and activity levels.

How does Kisspeptin work?

Binds to GPR54/KISS1R receptors on hypothalamic GnRH neurons, triggering pulsatile GnRH release, which stimulates pituitary LH/FSH secretion and gonadal steroid production.

References

  1. Effects of Kisspeptin on Sexual Brain Processing and Penile Tumescence in Men With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

    Mills EG, Ertl N, Wall MB, et al. · JAMA network open · 2023

    32 men completed trial. Kisspeptin-54 IV (1 nmol/kg/h for 75 min) significantly modulated sexual brain processing and increased penile tumescence by up to 56% vs placebo. Potential as first pharmacological treatment for male HSDD.

    Controlled clinical trial · PMID 36735255

  2. Effects of Kisspeptin Administration in Women With Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

    Thurston L, Hunjan T, Ertl N, et al. · JAMA network open · 2022

    Double-masked, placebo-controlled, 2-way crossover trial in women with HSDD. Kisspeptin modulated sexual and facial attraction brain processing, with hippocampal activation correlating with distress and reduced sexual aversion.

    Controlled clinical trial · PMID 36287566

  3. Efficacy of Kisspeptin-54 to Trigger Oocyte Maturation in Women at High Risk of OHSS During IVF Therapy Jayasena CN, Abbara A, Comninos AN, et al. (Dhillo WS senior author)

    Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2015

    Live birth rates of 45% overall per transfer; 62% at optimal 9.6 nmol/kg dose. Zero cases of moderate, severe, or critical OHSS. Oocyte maturation in 95% of women.

  4. Intranasal kisspeptin administration rapidly stimulates gonadotropin release in humans

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

    Intranasal kisspeptin-54 (12.8 nmol/kg) rapidly stimulated LH release in healthy men (+4.4 IU/L), healthy women (+1.4 IU/L), and women with hypothalamic amenorrhea (+4.4 IU/L). Formulation stable for 60 days at 4°C.

    PMID 40215751

  5. Efficacy of Kisspeptin-54 to Trigger Oocyte Maturation in Women at High Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) During In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Therapy

    Abbara A, Jayasena CN, Christopoulos G, et al. · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2015

    Laboratory study · PMID 26192876

Common questions

Is kisspeptin better than hCG for IVF ovulation triggering?

Yes, significantly. Kisspeptin-54 achieved 45% live birth rates with zero severe OHSS cases, compared to hCG's higher OHSS incidence. It triggers oocyte maturation more physiologically by stimulating the body's natural LH surge rather than replacing it with exogenous hormone.