Supplement Scholar
GnRH Agonist

Leuprolide

Research compound. This is not a dietary supplement. Unless it is identified as an approved prescription drug, it is not approved by the FDA for human use. This page summarizes published research for education only; we do not sell it or link to sellers.

Leuprolide. Long-acting GnRH agonist used in prostate cancer, endometriosis, and precocious puberty.

How it works. Continuous receptor stimulation desensitizes the pituitary, suppressing LH, FSH, and downstream sex steroids after an initial flare.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Depot dosing for convenience (preclinical).

Hormonal impact. Effects on Testosterone, Estradiol, LH and FSH.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Tumor flare.

Stacking. Pairs well with Add-back therapy in benign indications. Avoid combining with Pregnancy.

Common forms. Available as Depot intramuscular and subcutaneous injection.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Leuprolide. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Leuprolide. Long-acting GnRH agonist used in prostate cancer, endometriosis, and precocious puberty.

Molecular structureC59H84N16O12 · 1209.4 g/mol

What it is

Leuprolide is a nonapeptide GnRH agonist used clinically as a depot injection to suppress the HPG axis in hormone-responsive disease.

Also called

Lupron

How it works

Continuous receptor stimulation desensitizes the pituitary, suppressing LH, FSH, and downstream sex steroids after an initial flare.

Pathways

  • GnRH receptor desensitization
  • LH and FSH suppression
  • Gonadal steroid suppression

Effects

  • ↓Androgen-driven prostate cancer activity decreases
  • ↓Estrogen-driven endometriosis and fibroid activity decreases
  • ↓Pubertal progression in CPP decreases

What the research supports

Depot dosing for conveniencepreclinical
Strong evidence base across indicationspreclinical

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Hormonal impact

↓Testosteronedecreases
↓Estradioldecreases
↓LH and FSHdecreases

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Hot flashes
  • Decreased libido
  • Mood changes

Serious

  • Tumor flare
  • Bone loss
  • QT prolongation with some formulations

Medication interactions

QT-prolonging agentsmoderate

Caution with combinations.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Add-back therapy in benign indicationsMitigates bone and vasomotor effects.

Avoid combining

  • PregnancyContraindicated.

Common forms

  • Depot intramuscular and subcutaneous injection

Discussion

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