Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogues for Infertility
How It Works
Daily GnRH agonist injections overstimulate the Reference pituitary gland Opens New Window, triggering production of more Reference luteinizing hormone (LH) Opens New Window and Reference follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Opens New Window than normal, which makes the pituitary gland temporarily shut down. The "disabled" pituitary gland then stops producing LH and FSH, which in turn stops Reference ovulation Opens New Window.
GnRH antagonist injection is a more recent addition to infertility treatment. While agonists act over several days to stop ovulation, antagonists act almost immediately by blocking the effect of GnRH on the pituitary gland. Because an antagonist stops the pituitary from making LH within an hour or two, it doesn't have to be used for as many days as an agonist does.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 14, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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