When it comes to romance and physical intimacy, healthy sexual desire is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, some couples find it difficult to “keep the spark going” due to a below average libido. What if there was a simple and natural way to solve this problem? Look no further: recent research has revealed that kisspeptin – a hormone that plays a vital role in puberty and fertility – could be the key to a better libido!
In this article, we explain what kisspeptin is and the potential benefits of this hormone when it comes to boosting sexual desire. So hang on to your seats! Science makes us discover the universe where everything becomes attainable.
Kisspeptin: what is it?
Kisspeptin is a hormone that plays a role in regulating the onset of puberty, fertility, and metabolism. It is a peptide hormone derived from the product of the Kiss1 gene, which is located on chromosome 1p36.3 in humans. Kisspeptin is produced by neurons located in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, as well as other parts of the brain and other tissues such as the ovary and placenta. This hormone acts both as a neuroendocrine signal involved in reproduction and as an autocrine or paracrine signal involved in metabolic functions. In particular, kisspeptin has been shown to be involved in stimulating the release of GnRH, which then triggers the production of luteinizing hormone (LH). This release of LH is important for reproductive maturation and continued ovarian cycle activity into adulthood.
According to British studies, an injection of kisspeptin could stimulate sexual desire in women than men.
8% of men and 10% of women may suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). It is an official diagnosis recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, where it is characterized by persistent or recurrent impairment in sexual fantasies or desire for sexual activity. It can cause significant distress or interpersonal difficulties and can occur in both men and women.
In general, low sex drive should not be confused with low libido which occurs occasionally but must be constant for at least six months to be diagnosed. Although there is no definitive cause for low libido, potential causes can include hormonal imbalances, certain medications, depression, chronic stress, and relationship issues.
In a study conducted by Imperial College London published on February 3, 2023 on the journal Jama Network Open, The team included in this research 32 pre-menopausal women and 32 men, who underwent a complex protocol including behavioral and medical tests. Study participants underwent brain scans using an MRI machine, blood tests, answered various questionnaires to assess their mood and behavior before and towards the end of the administration of kisspeptin or placebo, and participated in other evaluations.
Additionally, when taking part in MRI testing while receiving kisspeptin or placebo treatments, participants were exposed to non-erotic videos for control and erotic videos for comparison. During these tests, the participants were confronted with male faces to measure the effect of kisspeptin on their brain activity. At the end of this complex research process, it was found that women with sexual disorders had higher levels of brain activity in the hippocampus (a region that plays a key role in female sexual desire) when they received kisspeptin than when they received a placebo; furthermore, they reported feeling “sexier” after being exposed to kisspeptin.
The male group, on the other hand, had a remarkable feat.
In the men’s group, a crossover, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted among 32 heterosexual men aged 21 to 52, who were diagnosed with low blood pressure. In addition to the same study done on the female group, this particular study also included measures of penile stiffness. The results showed that kisspeptin increased brain activity in key areas of the sexual brain network, as well as penile stiffness by up to 56% compared to levels produced by a placebo treatment.
These data are particularly interesting because of the impact of kisspeptin on the stiffness of men’s penises. Not only did it increase brain activity in important regions involved in sexual arousal, but it also gave them an incredible boost in physical arousal.
The researchers revealed that their randomized clinical trial provides the first evidence to date showing that administration of kisspeptin substantially modulates brain processing of sexuality in men with low sexual desire, with associated increases in penile tumescence and behavioral measures of sexual desire and sexuality. excitement. These data suggest that kisspeptin could be the first pharmacological treatment for men with low sexual desire.
Conclusion :
This recent study could prove extremely useful for people suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). For example, this treatment could help improve a person’s overall quality of life by improving symptoms such as low libido and difficulty achieving orgasm. In addition, this study shows that there is scope for further research into other treatments aimed at improving sexual health and performance by targeting key areas of the brain associated with sexual functioning.
