Kisspeptin-10

Key points

• Kisspeptin-10 is a short peptide that triggers the release of GnRH, the signal that drives the sex hormones.
• It acutely raises LH and testosterone, which is why it is studied in fertility and hormone research.
• Most of the human work is short term; lasting benefits are not established.
• It is not a licensed medicine in the UK and is sold only for research use.

Quick facts

What it is

Reproductive hormone peptide, 10 amino acids

Studied for

Fertility and hormone research

UK status

Not a licensed medicine; sold for research use

Human evidence

Short term hormone effects; lasting benefit unproven

How it works

Kisspeptin sits above GnRH in the chain that controls reproduction. It prompts the brain to release GnRH, which drives LH and FSH, which in turn stimulate the ovaries or testes to make sex hormones. This makes it of real interest in fertility medicine, where it is being studied carefully.

What the evidence shows

Human studies show it can raise LH and testosterone in a dose related way, including in some people with a particular type of low hormone function. Its effects on fertility, mood and bone are largely early or preclinical, and lasting benefits are not established.

What it does not settle

• Whether repeated dosing gives lasting fertility or hormone benefits is not known.
• Continuous dosing could switch the system off rather than on.
• Human dosing and long term safety are not established.

Side effects

Less common but serious

• Used continuously it could suppress rather than stimulate the hormone system.
• Because there is no licensed product, the dose, purity and contents of material bought online cannot be verified.

Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

UK legal status and access

Kisspeptin-10 has no UK marketing authorisation, so it is not a licensed medicine and is not offered by registered clinics or pharmacies. It is used in approved research, and sold online for research use.

Common questions