← Reference library

⬡
Other

Gonadorelin

Also known as GnRH, LHRH, Gonadorelin acetate, Factrel, Lutrelef

A synthetic form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), structurally identical to the natural hormone, used clinically to stimulate LH/FSH release and assess pituitary function.

Molecular weight~1182.3 g/mol (free base)
Half-life~2–10 minutes (very short; terminal half-life ~10–40 minutes).
CategoryOther

Typical use cases

✓ Pituitary function testing✓ Fertility / HPG-axis research✓ Hypogonadism and amenorrhea research

Dosing guidelines

StartingDiagnostic clinical use is a single ~100 mcg injection; research/adjunct protocols often start around 100 mcg.
MaintenancePulsatile/intermittent dosing (e.g. ~100–200 mcg per dose, 2× weekly up to several times weekly in adjunct research); fertility pumps deliver small pulses every ~90 minutes.
Max (studied)Varies widely by protocol; continuous/high exposure paradoxically suppresses LH/FSH rather than stimulating — the dosing pattern matters more than the peak amount (hedge).

Titration

Not a simple ramp — the effect is pattern-dependent: pulsatile dosing stimulates the axis while continuous exposure downregulates it.

Reconstitution

10 mg vial: ~2 mL bacteriostatic water yields ~5000 mcg/mL (0.1 mL = 500 mcg); larger volumes give finer dosing.

Injection sites

Subcutaneous (also given IV/IM clinically); rotate subcutaneous sites such as the abdomen.

Storage & handling

Lyophilized: stable months cool/dark, longer frozen. Reconstituted: refrigerate (2–8 °C).

Side effects

  • Injection-site redness or irritation Mild · Common
  • Headache Mild · Uncommon
  • Nausea or flushing Mild · Uncommon
  • Hypersensitivity / allergic reaction Severe · Rare

Research summary

Gonadorelin is identical in structure to endogenous GnRH and acts as an agonist at pituitary GnRH receptors to trigger release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); its action depends critically on administration pattern, with physiologic pulsatile dosing stimulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and continuous exposure causing paradoxical suppression. It is an approved drug (e.g. Factrel) used diagnostically to evaluate pituitary function and therapeutically in conditions such as hypothalamic amenorrhea. Its very short half-life makes sustained signaling difficult; reported side effects are generally mild, with rare hypersensitivity reactions. Educational only — not medical advice.

Key references

  • Gonadorelin — DrugBank (DB00644): mechanism and approved indications
  • Factrel (gonadorelin) — FDA prescribing information

Related compounds

Triptorelin → Kisspeptin-10 → Sermorelin →

Where to buy

🛍 Core Peptides Third-party tested ↗

These are affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support DoseForge at no extra cost to you.

Educational reference only — not medical advice. Dosing figures are commonly-cited ranges, not prescriptions. Consult a qualified clinician.

Track Gonadorelin in DoseForge

Log doses, rotate sites, watch your progress — free.

Get the app