Overview
Kisspeptin-10 is the active C-terminal fragment of kisspeptin, the hypothalamic peptide that controls GnRH neuron firing and therefore the entire HPG axis.
- Endogenously produced in hypothalamus
- Synthesized for research
- Subcutaneous or intravenous injection (clinical research)
Mechanism of action
Binds KISS1R (GPR54) on GnRH neurons, triggering GnRH release that drives LH and FSH from the pituitary.
- · KISS1R activation
- · GnRH release
- · LH/FSH pulse generation
- · KISS1R (GPR54)
- · GnRH
- · LH
- · FSH
- · Testosterone
- · Estradiol
How it acts on the body
Kisspeptin sits upstream of GnRH and is the master gate of the HPG axis — without it, puberty does not start and reproductive function collapses. Kisspeptin-10 is the minimal active fragment, suitable for clinical research dosing.
It is being studied as a more physiological alternative to hCG for triggering ovulation in IVF (less ovarian hyperstimulation risk), and as a probe for hypogonadism diagnosis. It does not bypass downstream feedback the way gonadotropins do, so net hormonal effects depend on intact pituitary and gonadal function.
Hormonal & endocrine impact
How this peptide is reported to shift specific hormones and signaling molecules. Directionality reflects research literature and preclinical models, not clinical prescribing data.
Curves are schematic shapes (sigmoid for increases/decreases, damped oscillation for modulation/stabilization) anchored to a 100% baseline. They communicate direction and tempo of change reported in research literature — not absolute hormone concentrations.
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Activates the entire HPG axis from hypothalamus down.
Drives gonadal hormone production.
Reported effects
Drawn from preclinical research, anecdote, and small-scale clinical observation. No evidence grades are assigned — most peptides on this page lack rigorous human trials.
- Physiological IVF trigger with lower OHSS risk
- Diagnostic probe for HPG function
Potential side effects
- · Flushing
- · Headache
- · Nausea
- · Limited large-trial human data
Drug interactions
Pairing context
- Reproductive medicine specialist oversightUsed in controlled IVF protocols.
- Hormone-sensitive malignancyActivates the entire steroidogenesis cascade.