Kisspeptin

Kisspeptin-10 / -54 · D-tier (Dr. Alex Tatem) · Limited evidence

Triggers the brain signal that starts testosterone and fertility hormone release. It’s interesting for fertility but underwhelming for libido or mood.

Dr. Tatem’s take

D-tier. Interesting fertility data, but weak as a mood or sex-drive booster.

In Dr. Tatem’s tier list

• Kisspeptin drives the hypothalamus to release GnRH, which tells the pituitary to make LH and FSH — the hormones that tell the testicles to make testosterone and sperm.
• In someone whose hormone axis is intact (not shut down by steroids), it can raise LH/FSH, possibly testosterone a little, and sexual response.
• There’s interesting data from the fertility world, but for an enhanced athlete “there are a million other compounds… exponentially more potent.”
• It “isn’t really that effective as a mood or sexual wellness booster.” Verdict: D tier.

History & background

The KiSS-1 gene was discovered in 1996 by researchers in Hershey, Pennsylvania, as a suppressor of melanoma metastasis — the name is a nod to Hershey’s Kisses. In 2003 two groups showed that mutations in its receptor prevent puberty, revealing kisspeptin as the master switch of the reproductive axis.

Since then it has been studied mainly at Imperial College London as a gentler trigger for egg maturation in IVF and for low sexual desire. Kisspeptin-10 remains on FDA’s Category 2 list, and it is banned for male athletes.

Benefits

• Triggered egg maturation in 95% of women in an IVF trial.
• Being studied for low sexual desire in men.

Risks

• Well tolerated in trials.
• Response fades with repeated dosing.

Dosing protocols (informational, labeled by evidence)

• Clinical trial / label: Human dose-response study (men) — 0.01–3 µg/kg bolus (peak LH at 1 µg/kg); infusions 1.5–4 µg/kg/h, IV, Single bolus or infusion up to 22.5 h, Acute
• Community (bro science): Community SC use — Commonly cited ~100 mcg (unverified), SubQ, Varies, Varies

Status: Not approved. Kisspeptin-10 is still on FDA’s Category 2 “significant safety risk” list.

Grade and commentary: Dr. Alex Tatem. Watch: Truth About More Popular Peptides (What Works, What’s Overhyped) | Peptide Tier List pt.2. Subscribe: @DrAlexTatem.