# Leuprolide

> Leuprolide is a long-acting synthetic GnRH agonist delivered as a depot injection, among the most widely used drugs in its class. It is approved for advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and central precocious puberty. Like other GnRH agonists, it causes an initial gonadotropin/testosterone or estrogen surge before sustained suppression develops over several weeks. Depot strengths allow dosing intervals from monthly to twice yearly.

- URL: https://www.lifeconverted.com/peptides/leuprolide
- Also known as: Leuprorelin, Lupron, Eligard
- Primary category: Other & Clinical
- Effectiveness rank: #3 in Other & Clinical
- Evidence level: Well studied
- Route: Intramuscular (Available as intramuscular or subcutaneous depot formulations depending on brand (e.g., Lupron Depot is IM, Eligard is subcutaneous); dosing interval is set by depot strength.)
- Dose range: 3.75-45 mg
- Dose tiers: low 3.75 mg; moderate 22.5 mg; high 45 mg
- Half-life: Parent compound approximately 3 hours; depot formulations provide sustained release over 1 to 6 months
- Timing: As directed by your clinician
- Cycle: Continuous per oncology protocol; often long-term or indefinite for metastatic disease on, Discontinued per prescriber decision off (Duration is individualized by the treating physician; not a self-cycled peptide.)
- Storage: Refrigerate at 2-8°C; some kits are room-temperature stable short-term per the insert. Reconstitute immediately before injection.

## Mechanism of action

Chronic exposure to leuprolide desensitizes pituitary GnRH receptors, reducing LH and FSH secretion and consequently lowering testosterone or estrogen to castrate or menopausal levels after an initial stimulatory flare phase.

## Reported benefits

- Androgen deprivation therapy in advanced/metastatic prostate cancer
- Symptom control in endometriosis and uterine fibroids
- Management of central precocious puberty
- Used as an adjunct to radiation therapy in localized prostate cancer

## Reported side effects

- Initial symptom/tumor flare
- Hot flashes
- Bone mineral density loss with long-term use
- Injection site reactions
- Mood changes

## Common protocols

- Metastatic or advanced prostate cancer androgen deprivation therapy
- Endometriosis and uterine fibroid symptom management
- Central precocious puberty
- Combined with radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer

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