What is the difference between FSH and Melanotan II?

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. Melanotan II: Synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R-MC5R); activates MC4R for erectile function/libido; MC1R for melanogenesis; MC3R for appetite suppression

FSH is FDA approved (FDA status current as of 1997-09-29). This regulatory status is provided for research and educational context only.

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.

How is Melanotan II administered in research settings?

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

Home›Research›Compare›FSH vs Melanotan II

Peptide Comparison

FSH vs Melanotan II

Name: FSH vs Melanotan II — Per-mg Price Comparison
Creator: PeptideBase
License: https://peptidebase.io/terms

Both are Reproductive & Hormonal peptides.

FSH

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Sexual HealthFDA ApprovedPrescription

No providers listed yet

Full FSH profile →

Melanotan II

MT-II

Sexual HealthResearch Only

Half-life: ~1-2 hours

134 providers listed

Full Melanotan II profile →

Bottom line

FSH is FDA-approved, while Melanotan II is nomination withdrawn — the clearest structural difference between them.

Quick Verdict

FSH

Half-life

—

Melanotan II

Half-life

~1-2 hours

Which One Should You Choose?

Your goal	Better option
Stronger clinical evidence	FSH
Further along in FDA review	FSH
More provider options (0 vs 134)	Melanotan II

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

Side-by-Side Comparison

FSH

Melanotan II

Mechanism Family

Reproductive & Hormonal

Half-life

—

~1-2 hours

FDA Status

approved

nomination withdrawn

Admin Routes

subcutaneous, intramuscular

subcutaneous, intranasal

Availability

Prescription

Research Only

Providers

None listed

134 listed

FDA Update

Sep 1997

—

Avail. Notes

—

Not FDA-approved. Not to be confused with bremelanotide (PT-141/Vyleesi, which is approved). No NDA. Sold illicitly as research chemical. FDA warns against injectable tanning products.

Research Evidence

FSH

Meta-analysis · 9 key studies · most recent 2026

Melanotan II

RCT · 2 key studies · dated evidence base — most recent 2014

Research Citations

FSH

Meta-analysis2026 · J Ovarian Res

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

Meta-analysis2011 · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

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

Meta-analysis2008 · Reprod Biomed Online

Efficacy and safety of hMG versus recombinant FSH: a meta-analysis

Cohort2026 · J Ovarian Res

Revisiting ESR in PCOS: an easily obtainable link to immune and metabolic dysregulation.

+5 more

Melanotan II

RCT2000 · Urology

Effect of an alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone analog on penile erection and sexual desire in men with org…

Review2014 · Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs

Melanocortin receptor agonists in the treatment of male and female sexual dysfunctions: results from basic re…

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

About Melanotan II

Synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist (MC1R-MC5R); activates MC4R for erectile function/libido; MC1R for melanogenesis; MC3R for appetite suppression

Research Areas

central MC4R-mediated sexual arousal and erectile functionskin tanning via MC1R melanogenesis activationappetite suppression (MC4R hypothalamic pathway)significant side effect profile — nausea, flushing, pigmentation (vs cleaner successor PT-141)

Safety Profile

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

FSH

Absolute Contraindications

Under clinical review

Being verified by our medical team before we display contraindications for this peptide.

Suggested Monitoring

Under clinical review

Being verified by our medical team before we display monitoring guidance for this peptide.

Melanotan II

Warnings & Cautions

No FDA approval — investigationalMelanoma / dysplastic nevi — caution (melanocyte stimulation)Cardiovascular effectsPriapism (males)Known hypersensitivity

Class-based (investigational)

Used Together?

Melanotan II

Antihypertensive medications
Research notes that Melanotan II may influence cardiovascular function via melanocortin receptor activation. Combined use with antihypertensive medications may require blood pressure monitoring. Consult your prescriber before combining.

Price (per mg)

FSH

Not enough vendor pricing yet.

Melanotan II

$3.96/mg

$3.01 – $4.80 range

39 vendors

View price index →Find providers →

Find Providers

Where to source these peptides

Providers offering

FSH

Browse directory →

Providers offering

Melanotan II

134 listed

Browse directory →

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

More Reproductive & Hormonal Comparisons

Browse all peptides →

Educational research tools — not medical advice.

Cite this page

Data last updated October 26, 2026

Free to reference and republish with attribution to PeptideBase. Choose a format:

PeptideBase. (2026). FSH vs Melanotan II — Per-mg Price Comparison. Retrieved October 27, 2026, from https://peptidebase.io/peptides/compare/fsh/melanotan-ii

https://peptidebase.io/peptides/compare/fsh/melanotan-ii Methodology License Download JSON Download CSV