Description
Lypholized powder needing reconstitution.
Kisspeptin is a vital neuropeptide hormone encoded by the KISS1 gene. Produced in the hypothalamus, it acts as the primary “upstream” regulator of the reproductive system by stimulating the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
How it Works
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- The Reproductive Axis: Kisspeptin binds to its receptor (KISS1R) on GnRH neurons. This triggers GnRH secretion, which in turn signals the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
- Puberty & Fertility: It is widely considered the gatekeeper of puberty and is essential for maintaining fertility, menstrual cycles, and sperm production.
Medical & Therapeutic Applications
Because of its role at the top of the hormonal cascade, kisspeptin is being heavily researched and clinically utilized in several areas:
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- Assisted Reproduction (IVF): Kisspeptin is used as a safer, more physiological alternative to hCG to trigger ovulation. It helps stimulate the release of the body’s own LH, lowering the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women.
- Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: It shows promise in restoring the missing communication between the brain and ovaries in women who have stopped menstruating due to extreme stress, low body weight, or over-exercising.
- Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD): Recent fMRI studies show that kisspeptin administration activates key emotional and sexual processing regions in the brain, offering a potential treatment for low sexual drive in both men and women.
Broader Biological Roles
While its reproductive functions are the most prominent, research shows that kisspeptin is also involved in the regulation of metabolism, bone density, and emotional brain processing. Interestingly, it was originally discovered in 1996 as a cancer metastasis suppressor, hence its alternate name “metastin”
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