Description

Gonadorelin is a synthetic version of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). A decapeptide that is created using solid-phase peptide synthesis, it causes the pituitary gland to synthesize and secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are the two gonadotropins that the pituitary produces.12 Endogenous (naturally produced) GnRH is generated by neurons in the hypothalamus’ septum preoptic area and released into the pituitary portal blood, which ultimately causes the anterior pituitary gland to produce and release FSH and LH.3 LH and FSH regulate gonadal function in humans, contributing to child development as well as fertility in adults.45

The FDA had approved gonadorelin for human use, but it has since been discontinued. It was marketed under the brand names Factrel® (injections) and LutrePulse™ (subcutaneous pulsatile injections using OmniPod pump) but has since been discontinued in the United States.