Gonadorelin
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Gonadorelin (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)
- Aliases: GnRH, LH-RH, Factrel, Lutrepulse
- Category: Sexual Health / Fertility / Testosterone / Hormonal Health
- Sequence: pGlu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-Gly-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2 (decapeptide)
- Molecular Weight: 1182.3 Da
- Administration: Subcutaneous / Intranasal / Pulsatile IV (fertility)
- Typical Dose: 100 mcg SubQ 2x/week (TRT adjunct protocol)
- Half-Life: 2–10 minutes (very short; pulsatile release is physiological)
- Status: FDA-approved (as Factrel for diagnostic use); widely used off-label
- WADA Status: Prohibited (S4 — Hormone Modulators)
What It Does
Gonadorelin is the endogenous decapeptide that controls the entire HPG (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) axis. Released in pulses from the hypothalamus, it triggers LH and FSH release from the pituitary, which drives testosterone production in the testes and ovarian function in women. In the context of TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), gonadorelin is used to maintain testicular size, volume, and endogenous testosterone production while on exogenous testosterone. It is an alternative to HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which has faced supply restrictions.
Mechanism of Action
- GnRH receptor binding: Activates GnRH receptors on pituitary gonadotrophs → LH and FSH release
- Pulsatile requirement: Continuous GnRH suppresses the axis (used therapeutically in prostate cancer); pulsatile delivery (2x/week SubQ) maintains gonadotropin stimulation
- LH-driven testosterone: LH stimulates Leydig cells in testes → intratesticular testosterone production → maintains testicular size and function
- FSH-driven spermatogenesis: FSH stimulates Sertoli cells → sperm production and fertility preservation
- Endogenous T production maintenance: Prevents testicular atrophy and complete HPTA suppression during exogenous TRT
Dosing Protocols
TRT Adjunct Protocol (HCG Alternative)
- Dose: 100 mcg SubQ
- Frequency: 2x per week (pulsatile; do not use daily — will suppress axis)
- Timing: Anytime; some prefer morning
- Duration: Continuous while on TRT
- Source: The Peptides Bible, Peptides Made Easy
Fertility Protocol
- Dose: 25–50 mcg SubQ or pulsatile IV pump
- Frequency: Pulsatile (every 90–120 minutes in fertility induction)
- Duration: As directed for fertility cycle
Stacks Well With
- Oxytocin – hormonal and relational well-being complement; HPG axis synergy
- Triptorelin – sequential use in PCT (Triptorelin restart → gonadorelin maintenance)
- Kisspeptin-10 – upstream HPG axis support
- BPC-157 – GI and systemic healing during hormonal optimization
Use Cases
- TRT Adjunct (testicular maintenance during testosterone therapy)
- Fertility Preservation (men on TRT wishing to maintain sperm production)
- Post-cycle therapy (PCT) support (usually preceded by Triptorelin)
- Hypogonadism diagnosis (GnRH stimulation test)
- Female Fertility (pulsatile GnRH for ovulation induction)
- Delayed Puberty treatment
Contraindications & Safety
- Ovarian cysts / PCOS — FSH stimulation may worsen; monitor
- Hormone-sensitive tumors — HPG axis stimulation; avoid
- Continuous dosing — paradoxically suppresses axis; must use pulsatile/intermittent dosing
- Hypersensitivity reactions — rare; monitor first injection
- Common side effects: Injection site reaction, headache; at high doses — nausea, abdominal discomfort
Storage
- Lyophilized: -20°C long-term; 2–8°C for weeks
- Reconstituted: 2–8°C for 1–2 weeks; protect from light
- Solvent: Bacteriostatic water preferred
PubMed Research
Research links will be added after PubMed search
Sources
- The Peptides Bible – Hormonal health peptides
- Peptide Protocols Master Bible – TRT and fertility protocols
- Peptides Made Easy – Dosing and clinical context
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