Synthetic copy of natural GnRH. Used to study pituitary function and, in pulses, to induce ovulation in hypothalamic amenorrhea.
Regulatory status
Approved (FDA / EMA)
Family
Synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
Scientific evidence
High
Number of findings
1
Where it acts
Sexual and reproductive · Hormones and metabolism
Also known as
gonadorelin, GnRH, LHRH, Factrel, Lutrepulse
Regulatory status
FDA (US): Approved (1982, Factrel) as a diagnostic test and (1989, Lutrepulse) in pulsatile administration for primary hypothalamic amenorrhea. Both have been discontinued in the US.
EMA (EU): No centralized authorization for human use; in the EU it is marketed mainly as a veterinary drug.
Dose
Regimen individualized by the specialist: a single intravenous dose for the diagnostic test or pulsatile administration with a subcutaneous or intravenous pump to induce ovulation. There is no current prescribing information in the US or Spain.
Safety
In ovulation induction: ovarian hyperstimulation that is uncommon and mild, multiple pregnancy somewhat more frequent than in the general population, and phlebitis with the intravenous route. Requires specialized medical monitoring.
Differences between women and men
In women it is used to induce ovulation in hypothalamic amenorrhea (risk of multiple pregnancy); in men, in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. It acts directly on sex hormones. View the study →
Effect by goal · level of evidence
Ovulation in hypothalamic amenorrhea
improvesHighmeta-analysis (AAA)in people
35 studies with 1,002 women: pulsatile GnRH achieved high ovulation rates and good pregnancy rates; the subcutaneous route worked as well as the intravenous. Hyperstimulation rare and mild.
Stimulates the pituitary gland to release LH and FSH, which in turn activate the ovaries or testes. Given in pulses, it mimics the natural rhythm and restores ovulation. Given continuously, it would have the opposite effect (it would slow the axis).
What the evidence says
In people
Ovulation in hypothalamic amenorrhea. 35 studies with 1,002 women: pulsatile GnRH achieved high ovulation rates and good pregnancy rates; the subcutaneous route worked as well as the intravenous one. Hyperstimulation was rare and mild. PubMed 29605411