Gonadorelin
Also known as: GnRH, LHRH, Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone, Factrel, Lutrepulse
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone | GnRH Agonist
Overview
Gonadorelin is a synthetic form of the naturally occurring gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). It stimulates the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn regulate testosterone production in men and ovulation in women. It is FDA-approved for diagnostic testing and fertility treatment. The pulsatile nature of GnRH secretion is critical for proper reproductive function.
Key benefits
- Stimulates natural testosterone production
- Maintains testicular function during hormone therapy
- Supports fertility in hypogonadal conditions
- FDA-approved for diagnostic and therapeutic use
- Can restore LH and FSH pulsatility
- Alternative to hCG for testicular stimulation
- Preserves endogenous hormone production
Mechanism of action
Gonadorelin acts as an agonist of the GnRH receptor in the anterior pituitary. When administered in pulses (mimicking natural secretion patterns every 60-120 minutes), it stimulates release of FSH and LH. LH then stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, or triggers ovulation in women. Continuous exposure paradoxically causes receptor downregulation and suppressed hormone production.
Molecular data
- Type
- Decapeptide
- Half-life
- 2-4 minutes
Sequence
pGlu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-Gly-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Fertility & Reproductive
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Most effectiveTreatment of conditions like Kallmann syndrome where GnRH deficiency causes low testosterone and infertility.
Ovulation Induction
Most effectiveInduces ovulation in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea who don't ovulate regularly.
Male Fertility
EffectiveStimulates testosterone and sperm production by restoring LH/FSH pulsatility.
Delayed Puberty
EffectiveTreatment of delayed puberty due to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction.
Diagnostic
Pituitary Function Testing
Most effectiveUsed to assess hypothalamic-pituitary function and diagnose GnRH deficiency.
LH/FSH Response Assessment
Most effectiveEvaluates pituitary reserve and responsiveness to GnRH stimulation.
Hormone Optimization
TRT Support
EffectiveMaintains testicular function and fertility during testosterone replacement therapy.
Post-Cycle Therapy
ModerateHelps restore natural testosterone production after anabolic steroid use.
Cryptorchidism
ModerateTreatment of undescended testes in pediatric patients.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Injectable
Can be administered as single injections or via pulsatile infusion pump. Single injections are used for diagnostic testing, while pulsatile administration mimics natural GnRH secretion for therapeutic purposes. Very short half-life (10-40 minutes) requires careful dosing strategy.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic testing | 100 mcg | Single injection | SubQ or IV |
| Fertility support | 50-100 mcg | 2-3x weekly | SubQ |
| Pulsatile therapy | 5-20 mcg per pulse | Every 90-120 min | SubQ pump |
| TRT adjunct | 100-200 mcg | 2-3x weekly | SubQ |
Preparation
You will need
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC)
- Insulin syringes (0.5-1 mL)
- Alcohol swabs
- Peptide vial
- Sterile work surface
Steps
- Clean work area and hands thoroughly
- Calculate required BAC water volume
- Draw BAC water into syringe
- Inject slowly down vial side (not directly onto powder)
- Gently swirl until dissolved (never shake)
- Store in refrigerator, use within 14 days
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Nasal
Nasal spray formulation available in some regions for convenience of administration.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hormone support | As prescribed | Per protocol | Intranasal |
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
hCG
CompatibleOften used as alternative to hCG for testicular stimulation during TRT.
Testosterone
SynergisticUsed alongside TRT to maintain testicular function and fertility.
Clomiphene
CompatibleCan be combined in fertility and PCT protocols.
Kisspeptin
SynergisticKisspeptin stimulates GnRH release; can work together for hormone optimization.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- Within minutes
LH and FSH release begins
- Hours
Testosterone increase in response to LH
- Week 1-2
Improved hormonal markers on blood tests
- Week 2-4
Restoration of natural hormone pulsatility
- Ongoing
Maintained testicular function and fertility
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
Rare side effects
- Allergic reactions
- Light-headedness
- Local skin irritation
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing)
- Severe headaches
- Unusual abdominal pain
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive tumors
- Pregnancy
- Hypersensitivity to GnRH or analogs
- Conditions worsened by sex hormone release
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- White lyophilized powder
- Clear solution after reconstitution
- Intact vacuum seal
Warning signs
- Slight clumping that dissolves easily
Stop signs — don't use
- Discolored powder
- Cloudy or particulate solution
- Broken seal
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
Gonadorelin in Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2018
Pulsatile GnRH administration effectively restores fertility in patients with hypothalamic hypogonadism.
GnRH Pulsatility and Reproductive Function
Frontiers in Endocrinology · 2020
Pulsatile GnRH secretion (every 60-120 min) is essential for proper FSH/LH release and reproductive function.
Gonadorelin for Ovulation Induction
Fertility and Sterility · 2015
Effective treatment for ovulation induction in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.