Kisspeptin
Kisspeptin is a hormones / reproductive peptide. Typical research dosing is daily or pulsed injection, and the body of supporting research is clinical / well-established.
What is Kisspeptin
Kisspeptin (also called metastin) is a naturally occurring neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene. It acts on kisspeptin receptors (KISS1R / GPR54) in the hypothalamus to trigger pulsatile release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH). This cascade then stimulates the pituitary to release LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which in turn signal the gonads to produce testosterone (in men) and regulate the menstrual cycle and fertility (in women). Browse the full peptide library for related hormone compounds.
Kisspeptin is considered the master regulator of the reproductive HPG axis. Low kisspeptin activity is associated with hypothalamic amenorrhea in women and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in men — conditions where the hormonal cascade fails to activate properly. Supplemental kisspeptin can reactivate this cascade.
Unlike exogenous testosterone, kisspeptin works by stimulating the body's own hormone production system. This means it can raise testosterone naturally while preserving testicular function and fertility — a key advantage over anabolic steroids or TRT for users who want hormonal optimization without suppressing natural production.
How it works
KISS1R Activation: Kisspeptin binds to KISS1R receptors on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus (specifically the arcuate nucleus and anteroventral periventricular nucleus). This triggers pulsatile GnRH secretion.
HPG Axis Stimulation: GnRH pulses reach the anterior pituitary, stimulating LH and FSH release. LH then signals Leydig cells in the testes (or ovarian granulosa cells in women) to produce testosterone (or estrogen/progesterone).
Pulsatile vs Continuous: Kisspeptin is most effective when administered in a pulsatile fashion mimicking natural rhythm, as continuous high-dose administration can paradoxically desensitize receptors and reduce the hormonal response over time.
On the ground in the Philippines
Kisspeptin is not on the FDA Philippines registered drug list. The licensed HPG-axis tools here are clomiphene (Clomid), enclomiphene (where compounded), hCG injections, and TRT through Manila endocrinology — Makati Medical Center, St. Luke's BGC, and The Medical City all run men's health and fertility clinics that prescribe these. Kisspeptin sits outside that as a research-grade peptide, used by Manila users who specifically want HPG-axis stimulation that preserves natural production rather than the suppression that comes with exogenous testosterone.
The bloodwork before starting matters more here than for most peptides. Hi-Precision and Makati Med run the full hormone panel — total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH, estradiol, and prolactin — for around ₱5,500–7,500. AM draw, fasted, before 10am. Manila men's testosterone numbers tend to skew lower than Western averages in part due to lifestyle factors (sleep debt from traffic, body composition, stress cortisol), so the baseline is often genuinely worth optimizing. Repeat panel at week 4–6 to confirm response.
The pulsatile vs continuous dosing decision is where most users get this wrong. Kisspeptin-54 has a short half-life and the natural HPG rhythm is pulsatile — twice-daily SC injections AM and PM (fasted) at 3–10mcg/kg are what the Salam Hospital, Imperial College, and Anastasia Dimitriadis clinical work used. Continuous high-dose protocols (which some research-peptide forums recommend) actually desensitize the receptors over time and produce worse outcomes than properly timed pulses.
Hospitals worth knowing
Makati Medical Center · Makati
Endocrinology, men's health clinic, full hormone panel and fertility workup.
St. Luke's BGC · BGC
Reproductive endocrinology, fertility clinic, full HPG bloodwork.
The Medical City · Pasig
Men's health, andrology, TRT and fertility workup.
Asian Hospital · Alabang
Endocrinology and reproductive medicine; outpatient labs.
Pharmacy stock — what we've seen
Mercury Drug · Nationwide
Carries clomiphene (Clomid) and hCG (Rx). No kisspeptin.
Watsons · Nationwide
Carries some hormonal medications by prescription. No kisspeptin.
What this actually costs in the Philippines
| Item | PHP | USD | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kisspeptin-10 5mg vial (research-grade) | ₱2,800–3,800 | $50–68 | International peptide suppliers, shipped to Manila |
| Kisspeptin-54 5mg vial (research-grade) | ₱4,500–6,000 | $80–107 | International peptide suppliers |
| BAC water 30mL | ₱350–500 | $6–9 | Manila compounding pharmacies |
| Insulin syringes 31g (box of 100) | ₱650–900 | $12–16 | Mercury Drug, Watsons |
| Full HPG hormone panel (T, fT, SHBG, LH, FSH, E2, prolactin) | ₱5,500–7,500 | $98–134 | Hi-Precision, Makati Med outpatient |
| Repeat hormone panel at week 4–6 | ₱5,500–7,500 | $98–134 | Hi-Precision, Makati Med outpatient |
Customs & import reality
Kisspeptin ships into Manila as research peptide; single-vial parcels through Singapore or Hong Kong forwarders typically clear BOC without intervention. Cold-chain through Manila summer is the operational risk — the kisspeptin-54 longer chain is more sensitive to thermal degradation than kisspeptin-10, and a vial that sat in a customs warehouse at 35°C for a few days is functionally inert regardless of paperwork.
Reported benefits
- Natural testosterone elevation without suppressing HPG axis
- Preserves fertility and testicular function (unlike exogenous testosterone)
- May help restore hormonal function after steroid cycles (PCT support)
- Potential treatment for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
- Improves libido and sexual function
- Studied for female fertility disorders and hypothalamic amenorrhea
- Natural mechanism — body can regulate response through feedback loops
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard pulse | 3–10mcg/kg | Twice daily (AM + PM, fasted) | 4–8 weeks |
| PCT support | 10–25mcg | Daily | 6–8 weeks post-cycle |
Always start at the lowest effective dose and titrate up gradually.
Side effects
Common
- Mild LH surge symptoms (temporary testicular ache)
- Increased libido (usually welcome)
- Mild nausea at higher doses
- Injection site reactions
Rare
- Temporary hormone fluctuations during first 1–2 weeks
- Headache
- Desensitization with continuous high-dose protocols
Who should not use Kisspeptin
What to expect
Week 1–2
LH and FSH begin to rise. Some users notice increased libido and morning erections (for men). Testosterone levels begin to elevate — effects are gradual.
Week 3–4
Testosterone levels typically approaching their new elevated baseline. Improved energy, mood, and sexual function commonly reported.
Week 5–8
Sustained elevated testosterone. Best to blood test at this point to confirm response. Can continue use or cycle off and allow natural axis to maintain.
FAQ
Can Kisspeptin be used as PCT (post-cycle therapy) after steroids?
How does Kisspeptin compare to testosterone injections?
Should women use Kisspeptin?
Where to get Kisspeptin in the Philippines
See our community-verified supplier list with COA verification and cold-chain shipping to the Philippines.
Primary sources
Citations supporting the clinical claims on this page. Each entry links to the primary record.
- [01]
Kisspeptin-54 in human males — Dhillo 2005
TrialDhillo WS, Chaudhri OB, Patterson M, et al. "Kisspeptin-54 stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in human males." J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2005;90(12):6609–6615.
DOI: 10.1210/jc.2005-1468 - [02]
Kisspeptin-54 LH pulsatility in women — Jayasena 2013
TrialJayasena CN, Comninos AN, Veldhuis JD, et al. "A single injection of kisspeptin-54 temporarily increases luteinizing hormone pulsatility in healthy women." Clin Endocrinol 2013;79(4):558–563.
DOI: 10.1111/cen.12179 - [03]
Kisspeptin physiology review — Pinilla 2012
ReviewPinilla L, Aguilar E, Dieguez C, et al. "Kisspeptins and reproduction: physiological roles and regulatory mechanisms." Physiol Rev 2012;92(3):1235–1316.
DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00037.2010 - [04]
Kisspeptin and emotional brain processing — Comninos 2017
TrialComninos AN, Wall MB, Demetriou L, et al. "Kisspeptin modulates sexual and emotional brain processing in humans." J Clin Invest 2017;127(2):709–719.
DOI: 10.1172/JCI89519 - [05]
FDA Philippines drug registry — kisspeptin not listed
ReferenceFDA Philippines Registered Drug Products Database. Verified 2026-05-07: kisspeptin has no Philippine drug registration; clomiphene and hCG registered separately for distinct fertility indications.
Source
Risk · Disclosure · Editorial Status
This page is editorial information for adults researching peptide therapy. It is not medical advice, not a prescription, and not an endorsement of any specific product, supplier, or protocol. Side effects can be serious and individual response varies. Talk to a licensed physician — ideally one with peptide-specific clinical experience — before starting any compound, adjusting a dose, or discontinuing therapy.
In the Philippines, GLP-1 medications are prescription-only under FDA Philippines regulation. Research-grade peptides occupy a regulatory gray area: import for personal research use is generally tolerated, but the Bureau of Customs reserves the right to inspect and detain shipments. Do not import for resale.
Editorial Status
Independent · Non-clinical
Affiliation
Not a clinic · Not a pharmacy
Last Updated
May 7, 2026