Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Kisspeptin-10 | Semax | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 1-10 mcg/kg via subcutaneous injection or IV bolus for acute HPG axis stimulation. | Research indicates 200-600 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.1% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril). |
| Timing | Morning dosing preferred for testosterone optimization. Can be used acutely before sexual activity. | Morning and early afternoon dosing (avoid evening — may cause stimulation/insomnia). Intranasal preferred for rapid CNS delivery. |
| Cycle Duration | Short-term use only. Continuous kisspeptin administration may cause tachyphylaxis (desensitization) of the HPG axis. | 10-14 day cycles with equal rest periods. Some protocols use 3-5 day on / 2 day off patterns. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | moderate_human |
Kisspeptin-10 is the 10-amino acid C-terminal fragment of the kisspeptin family that signals directly to GnRH neurons through the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R/GPR54), triggering GnRH release into the portal circulation. This stimulates LH and FSH secretion from anterior pituitary gonadotrophs. In men, intravenous kisspeptin-10 produces rapid dose-dependent LH rises (4.1 to 12.4 IU/L at 1 mcg/kg within 30 minutes), increases LH pulse frequency and amplitude, and subsequently elevates testosterone through the HPG axis.
Research indicates 1-10 mcg/kg via subcutaneous injection or IV bolus for acute HPG axis stimulation.
Morning dosing preferred for testosterone optimization. Can be used acutely before sexual activity.
Short-term use only. Continuous kisspeptin administration may cause tachyphylaxis (desensitization) of the HPG axis.
Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-10) fragment that rapidly upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its signaling receptor TrkB in the hippocampus (1.4-fold BDNF protein increase, 3-fold exon III BDNF mRNA increase). It activates dopaminergic and serotonergic brain systems, enhances neurotrophin gene expression (BDNF, NGF), and modulates intracellular calcium dynamics in brain neurons. Semax lacks ACTH's corticotropic activity, acting purely as a nootropic/neuroprotective agent.
Research indicates 200-600 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.1% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).
Morning and early afternoon dosing (avoid evening — may cause stimulation/insomnia). Intranasal preferred for rapid CNS delivery.
10-14 day cycles with equal rest periods. Some protocols use 3-5 day on / 2 day off patterns.
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