Kisspeptin-10
Aliases: KP-10 · Metastin (fragment)
Last verified: 2026-09-23
The short version
Kisspeptin-10 is a physiologically pivotal signal: without kisspeptin signaling there is no puberty and no reproduction. In human studies the short fragment stimulates LH/FSH release in healthy volunteers, making it interesting for functional hypogonadism and fertility. Research is early-stage — a few small studies, no approvals, and long-term consequences of chronic reproductive-axis stimulation are unknown. Its first name ('metastin') comes from the original discovery of its role in metastasis suppression.
Identity & type
- Molecular type
- fragment
- Sequence / structure
- YNWNSFGLRF-NH2 (10 aa)
- Molecular weight
- ~1303 Da
- Origin
- Decapeptide fragment of kisspeptin-1, the natural GPR54 receptor agonist that triggers the reproductive axis.
Mechanism of action
Activates KISS1R (GPR54) on GnRH neurons → pulsatile GnRH → LH/FSH → gonadal steroids.
not confirmed in humans
Dosing & routes
Official / clinical context
No approved official document exists for Kisspeptin-10. Any protocols mentioned are to be read as information, not as a recommendation.
Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.
Community-reported practice
In studies: 0.1–3 nmol/kg IV/SC bolus. Research context: LH/testosterone elevation after injection. The community experiments with it for an "axis reset"; effects are short-lived and variable.
Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.
Expected effects (community)
Research context: LH/testosterone elevation after injection. The community experiments with it for an "axis reset"; effects are short-lived and variable.
Protocol — official vs community
Official / label
Investigational. Research infusions used to probe HPG-axis function; no therapeutic protocol.
Duration: Study use only.
Stimulates GnRH neurons upstream of LH/FSH — restores axis signaling rather than replacing output.
Community (anecdotal)
100–500 mcg SC 2–3× weekly, typically as a PCT or post-suppression 'reboot'.
- Cycle:
- 4–8 weeks.
- Break:
- 4 weeks off.
The 'restart the axis' claim is mechanistically elegant; human outcome data is anecdote-grade.
Human evidence
Small trials in healthy men show dose-dependent increases in LH, FSH and testosterone after a single dose; no long-term data.
Preclinical evidence
Clinical trials (Imperial College) for infertility, HSDD in men and women, and as an IVF ovulation trigger (safer than hCG for OHSS).
Known risks
- Mild injection-site reactionscharacterized
- Theoretical reproductive-axis desensitization with chronic usetheoretical
Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.
Unknowns & evidence gaps
- Chronic safety and fertility effects
Frequently asked questions
References
- Dhillo W.S. et al., kisspeptin-10 in men (J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2005+)