What is the difference between Alpha-MSH and FSH?

Alpha-MSH: Melanocortin peptide; activates MC1R (pigmentation/anti-inflammatory), MC3R (energy balance), MC4R (appetite); suppresses NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines FSH: Binds FSH receptors on Sertoli cells in testes to support sperm maturation and inhibin B production. In women, binds granulosa cell FSH receptors to drive follicular growth and estradiol production.

Is Alpha-MSH FDA approved?

Alpha-MSH is not evaluated or approved by the FDA. It is discussed for research and educational purposes only, not as medical guidance.

FSH is FDA approved. This regulatory status is provided for research and educational context only.

How is Alpha-MSH administered in research settings?

In research settings, Alpha-MSH is typically administered via the subcutaneous or intranasal routes. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

How is FSH administered in research settings?

In research settings, FSH is typically administered via the subcutaneous or intramuscular routes. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

Home›Research›Compare›Alpha-MSH vs FSH

Peptide Comparison

Alpha-MSH vs FSH

Both are Reproductive & Hormonal peptides.

Alpha-MSH

Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone

RecoveryNot EvaluatedResearch Only

Half-life: ~3-5 minutes (plasma)

No providers listed yet

Full Alpha-MSH profile →

FSH

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Sexual HealthFDA ApprovedPrescription

No providers listed yet

Full FSH profile →

Bottom line

FSH is FDA-approved, while Alpha-MSH is not evaluated — the clearest structural difference between them.

Quick Verdict

Alpha-MSH

Evidence

Early Research

Half-life

~3-5 minutes (plasma)

FSH

Evidence

Emerging Evidence

Half-life

—

Which One Should You Choose?

Your goal	Better option
Stronger clinical evidence	FSH
Further along in FDA review	FSH

Research summary only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before making any decisions.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Alpha-MSH

FSH

Mechanism Family

Reproductive & Hormonal

Half-life

~3-5 minutes (plasma)

—

FDA Status

not evaluated

approved

Admin Routes

subcutaneous, intranasal

subcutaneous, intramuscular

Availability

Research Only

Prescription

Providers

None listed

Avail. Notes

Endogenous 13-aa neuropeptide. No FDA-approved drug. Bremelanotide (PT-141/Vyleesi) is an approved derivative but a distinct compound. Not on FDA 503A bulks list. Research use only.

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Research Evidence

Alpha-MSH

Clinical (observational)Cohort study · 7 key studies · through 2026

FSH

ClinicalMeta-analysis · 12 key studies · through 2026

Research Citations

Alpha-MSH

Cohort2026 · Sci Rep

Hypothalamic orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides in the rotenone model of Parkinson's disease.

Cohort2026 · Chem Biodivers

Depigmenting Effects of Vitex rotundifolia Cone Essential Oil in Melanocytes and Its Chemical Composition.

Cohort2026 · Molecules

Baeckea frutescens Suppresses Melanogenesis via Modulation of PKA/CREB and ERK/MAPK Pathways: Insights from C…

Cohort2026 · Sci Rep

Antrodia cinnamomea extract exhibits anti-melanogenic and anti-photoaging effects: potential for cosmetic and…

+3 more

FSH

Meta-analysis2011 · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Recombinant versus urinary gonadotrophin for ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology cycles

Cohort2026 · Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi

[Association between sex hormone levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in older adults aged 65 years…

Cohort2026 · Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi

[Association between sex hormone levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in older adults aged 65 years…

Cohort2026 · J Ovarian Res

The improvement of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on the ovarian microenvironment: a systematic review…

+8 more

About Alpha-MSH

Melanocortin peptide; activates MC1R (pigmentation/anti-inflammatory), MC3R (energy balance), MC4R (appetite); suppresses NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines

Research Areas

anti-inflammatoryappetite suppressionthermoregulationskin pigmentation

About FSH

Binds FSH receptors on Sertoli cells in testes to support sperm maturation and inhibin B production. In women, binds granulosa cell FSH receptors to drive follicular growth and estradiol production.

Research Areas

spermatogenesisfertility supportfollicular developmentovarian stimulationHPG axis

Safety Profile

Information below reflects published research data only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before use.

Alpha-MSH

Contraindications

Melanoma HistoryUncontrolled Hypertension

FSH

Contraindications

Active Cancer HistoryThyroid ConditionCardiovascular ConditionPregnant Or Nursing

Find Providers

Where to source these peptides

Providers offering

Alpha-MSH

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Providers offering

FSH

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PeptideBase lists providers for educational research purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before obtaining or using any peptide.

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Educational research tools — not medical advice.