CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

The alphabet soup of letters known as GnRH stands for Gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This important hormone tells the pituitary gland how much  FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) it should release, which in turn triggers the development and release of eggs. In short, it helps keep your whole reproductive cycle running smoothly. A GnRH agonist, on the other hand, is an artificial hormone that serves to block that process, effectively putting the brakes on your egg production.

It’s an important drug for anyone receiving IVF. Although it seems counterintuitive to actually halt your egg production when you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s a necessary part of the assisted reproductive process. Your doctor doesn’t want your body releasing an egg too early or at the wrong time, which would essentially screw up the preparation you’ve undergone for egg retrieval. The most common GnRH agonist is Lupron, but you might also see the brands Zoladex and Synarel. In addition to its role in IVF, GnRH agonists are used to help treat endometriosis, fibroids and even certain cancers, like prostate cancer. It has a few side effects, including some menopausal-like symptoms such as hot flashes and headaches, but since it’s only used for a brief time in IVF, these are usually pretty minimal.

Plus More From The Bump:

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

dads denied ivf by insurance write children's book "you come from love"
Dad Initially Denied IVF by Insurance Pens Children’s Book
By Wyndi Kappes
twin baby feet in black and white
Record-Breaking Twins Are Born From Embryos Frozen 30 Years Ago
By Wyndi Kappes
liquid nitrogen straws with frozen embryos and egg cells
Frozen Embryos Linked to Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
kourtney kardashian and travis barker at the oscars
Kourtney Kardashian Opens About Her IVF Journey With Travis Barker
By Nehal Aggarwal
parent holds newborn in hospital after birth
California Couple Sues Fertility Clinic Over Devastating IVF Mix-Up
By Nehal Aggarwal
IVF: What to Know About in Vitro Fertilization
IVF: What to Know About in Vitro Fertilization
By Maggie Overfelt
bravo tv star writes book for children explaining infertility
Bravo TV Star’s New Book Wants to Teach Kids IVF Is Totally Normal
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
actress amy schumer posts about her egg retrieval procedure
Amy Schumer Is Staying Positive Through Egg Retrieval Procedure
By Nehal Aggarwal
amy schumer with chris fischer
Amy Schumer Reveals IVF Struggle and Reaches Out to Fans for Support
By Nehal Aggarwal
mina starsiak hawk opens up about her infertility struggles on instagram
HGTV Star Mina Starsiak Reveals Infertility Struggle and IVF Journey
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
new parents happily holding their newborn baby
This Picture Book Wants to Teach Kids That IVF Is Completely Normal
By Nehal Aggarwal
chrissy teigen and john legend sitting together at en event
John Legend Gets Real on How IVF Changed His Relationship With Teigen
By Nehal Aggarwal
mom opens up about her decision to have her children via reciprocal ivf
How Reciprocal IVF Let Two Moms Both Be a Part of Creating Their Baby
By Christina Bailey
ADVERTISEMENT
birthday cake with confetti sprinkles
World’s First IVF Baby Celebrates 41st Birthday
By Stephanie Grassullo
doctor folding his arms in medical environment
Mom Claps Back at Doctor Who Said IVF Allows ‘Disease-Prone’ People to Have Babies
By Stephanie Grassullo
Baby born with genes from three different people.
How a Baby in Greece Was Born With Genes From Three People
By Stephanie Grassullo
woman reflects on her emotional ivf journey
New Mom Reflects on the Emotional Roller Coaster That Is IVF
By Stephanie Grassullo
ADVERTISEMENT
woman at work looking at her phone
Women Want Fertility Benefits So Badly They're Willing to Switch Jobs, Survey Reveals
By Stephanie Grassullo
image of one couple's rainbow baby and the process of ivf represented in the fertility treatment shots.
Powerful IVF Newborn Photo Celebrates Parents' Rainbow Baby
By Stephanie Grassullo
john legend with pregnant wife, chrissy teigen
Chrissy Teigen, Honest as Ever, Defends Fan Who Asks About IVF
By Laurie Ulster
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List