A to Z / Approved medicine
Leuprolide
Also known as Lupron, leuprorelin, GnRH agonist.
Best known for The GnRH agonist that pauses the reproductive axis
Evidence★★★★★
Safety dataWell characterised
Route depot intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, monthly to six-monthly; implants exist
United StatesFDA approved
AustraliaSchedule 4: prescription only
as at 16 September 2026
What it is and what it does
Leuprolide is a synthetic GnRH agonist and an approved medicine, used to suppress rather than stimulate reproductive hormones. It is used to suppress sex hormone production in prostate cancer, endometriosis, fibroids, precocious puberty, and as part of gender-affirming care.
What the full entry covers
The book carries the rest of this entry:
- Where the research stands, with every claim cited
- What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
- Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
- Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
- Questions to discuss with your doctor
- How it compares with Gonadorelin, hCG, Kisspeptin-10
Related entries
A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.
This page describes what is known and not known about Leuprolide. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.