GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) - Gynecology

What is Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)?

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus. It plays a critical role in the regulation of the reproductive system by stimulating the anterior pituitary gland to release gonadotropins--namely luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones are essential for proper reproductive function in both males and females.

How Does GnRH Work?

GnRH is secreted in a pulsatile manner from the hypothalamus. The frequency and amplitude of these pulses regulate the release of LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary. A higher frequency of pulses favors the release of LH, while a lower frequency favors the release of FSH. These gonadotropins then act on the ovaries in females and the testes in males to stimulate the production of sex hormones and gametes.

Clinical Uses of GnRH and Its Analogs

GnRH analogs, both agonists and antagonists, are used in various clinical settings within gynecology:

Infertility Treatment: GnRH agonists can be used in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization (IVF) to prevent premature LH surges.
Endometriosis: GnRH agonists help reduce estrogen production, alleviating symptoms of endometriosis.
Uterine Fibroids: By lowering estrogen levels, GnRH agonists can shrink fibroids and reduce associated symptoms.
Precocious Puberty: GnRH agonists are used to delay the onset of puberty in children with this condition.

Side Effects and Considerations

While GnRH analogs are effective, they come with potential side effects. These can include menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone density loss. Long-term use requires careful monitoring and often calls for add-back therapy to mitigate these effects.

What is GnRH Deficiency?

GnRH deficiency can lead to a condition known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, where the production of sex hormones is impaired due to insufficient stimulation by gonadotropins. This can cause delayed puberty or infertility. Treatment usually involves hormone replacement therapy.

Future Directions in GnRH Research

Ongoing research aims to refine the use of GnRH analogs, develop new therapeutic agents with fewer side effects, and explore their role in managing other conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and cancer. Advances in this field hold promise for more personalized and effective treatments in gynecology.

Relevant Publications

Participation of kisspeptin, progesterone, and GnRH receptors on lordosis behavior induced by kisspeptin.

Issue Release: 2024

Chronic inflammation decreases arcuate kisspeptin expression in male sheep.

Issue Release: 2024

Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) reduced phoenixin expression, induced abnormal sperm and testis morphology in male rats.

Issue Release: 2024

Effectiveness and safety of GnRH antagonist originator and generic in real-world clinical practice: a retrospective cohort study.

Issue Release: 2024

Efficacy of GnRH Pulses in Hypogonadism Secondary to Primary Empty Sella: Case Report.

Issue Release: 2024

History of the Development of Knowledge about the Neuroendocrine Control of Ovulation-Recent Knowledge on the Molecular Background.

Issue Release: 2024

Management of Advanced Prostate Cancer With Relugolix: Illustrative Case Scenarios From an Advanced Practice Provider Perspective.

Issue Release: 2024

Differential involvement of cAMP/PKA-, PLC/PKC- and Ca/calmodulin-dependent pathways in GnRH-induced prolactin secretion and gene expression in grass carp pituitary cells.

Issue Release: 2024

The Loss of Estradiol by Androgen Deprivation in Prostate Cancer Patients Shows the Importance of Estrogens in Males.

Issue Release: 2024

POMC neurons control fertility through differential signaling of MC4R in Kisspeptin neurons.

Issue Release: 2024

Integrative proteomic and transcriptomic analysis in the female goat ovary to explore the onset of puberty.

Issue Release: 2024

Safety profiles of offspring born from early-follicular long-acting GnRH agonist protocol and daily mid-luteal GnRH agonist protocol: a retrospective study.

Issue Release: 2024

Value of estrogen pretreatment in patients with diminished ovarian reserve and elevated FSH on a line antagonist regimen: a retrospective controlled study.

Issue Release: 2024

[Toxicity of bisphenol S on human normal ovarian epithelial cells mediated by ERβ-MAPK signaling pathway].

Issue Release: 2024

Management of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Scoping Review.

Issue Release: 2024

The Involvement of the microRNAs miR-466c and miR-340 in the Palmitate-Mediated Dysregulation of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene Expression.

Issue Release: 2024

Expression dynamics of adipokines during induced ovulation in the bovine follicles and early corpus luteum.

Issue Release: 2024

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Its Agonists in Bovine Reproduction I: Structure, Biosynthesis, Physiological Effects, and Its Role in Estrous Synchronization.

Issue Release: 2024

The comparision among euploidy of preimplantation blastocysts in different controlled ovary stimulation (COH) protocols.

Issue Release: 2024

Intracerebroventricular PROK2 infusion could increase the secretion of male reproductive hormones by stimulating the HPG axis.

Issue Release: 2024

What are the Benefits of Community Engagement?

What is Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?

What Are Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications?

How Can Individuals Support These Groups?

Is CoolSculpting Covered by Insurance?

Why is PHM Important in Gynecology?

How Are Antigens Used in Pregnancy Testing?

How is Unexplained Infertility Diagnosed?

How are hormone levels tested and what do they indicate?

What is a Breast Self Exam (BSE)?

Partnered Content Networks

Relevant Topics