Gonadorelin Acetate
GnRH · LHRH
Native gonadotropin-releasing hormone; stimulates LH/FSH release. Pulsatile (not continuous) use matters.
Key takeaways
- Native GnRH decapeptide; half-life is only about 10 minutes.
- Works only in pulses; continuous exposure shuts the HPG axis down instead of up.
- Pump-delivered pulsatile GnRH is proven therapy for hypothalamic hypogonadism since 1982.
- Community pulse dosing for hormone recovery is anecdotal, with no trial data.
Reported dosing protocols
Protocols reported in research literature and clinic/community use — informational context, not a dosing recommendation.
| Use case | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypothalamic hypogonadism (clinical) | 5–20 µg per pulse | SubQ or IV via pump | One pulse every ~90 minutes | Months (continuous pump therapy) |
| Pituitary function testing (diagnostic) | 100 µg single dose | IV | Once | |
| HPG-axis recovery (community) | 100–500 µg | SubQ | Pulsed, a few times daily | 2–4 weeks |
Pharmacokinetic summary
- Model tier
- Simple (t½ + F, Tmax estimated)
- Half-life
- 10 min
- Bioavailability
- 30%
- Typical dose
- 0.05–0.5 mg
Frequently asked questions
Why does the dosing schedule matter so much with gonadorelin?
The pituitary responds to GnRH only when it arrives in pulses. Continuous exposure downregulates GnRH receptors and suppresses LH and FSH, the opposite of the intended effect. That's why clinical use relies on pump-driven pulses roughly every 90 minutes.
Is gonadorelin approved anywhere?
Gonadorelin has been approved as a diagnostic agent and for pulsatile therapy of hypothalamic hypogonadism in various markets, though some products were discontinued for commercial rather than safety reasons. What circulates today is mostly research-grade.
Can a single injection tell anything useful?
Yes, diagnostically. A 100 µg IV bolus followed by timed LH and FSH measurements probes pituitary reserve, which helps localize whether hypogonadism is hypothalamic or pituitary in origin.
References
- Estimated — Native GnRH decapeptide; half-life only a few minutes.
- Hoffman & Crowley, NEJM 1982 — induction of puberty by pulsatile GnRH — Landmark study; long-term low-dose pulsatile GnRH induced full puberty in men with hypothalamic hypogonadism.
Related compounds
HCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin; mimics LH, used on-cycle and in PCT to preserve testicular function.
HMG (Menotropin)
Human menopausal gonadotropin providing FSH and LH activity; used in PCT and fertility protocols.
Kisspeptin
Neuropeptide that drives GnRH release upstream of the HPG axis; researched for hormone restoration.
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