gonadorelin hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone used as a diagnostic agent
Usual role
Assessment of pituitary gonadotroph function, including after pituitary surgery or irradiation
Administration
A healthcare professional injects the reconstituted solution under the skin or into a vein
During the test
Blood samples measure the hormone response before and after injection
What is gonadorelin hydrochloride used for?
Licensed uses are diagnostic rather than therapeutic.
Evaluating the function and response of gonadotroph-producing cells in the anterior pituitary.
Investigating suspected gonadotrophin deficiency associated with hypothalamic or anterior pituitary dysfunction.
Assessing residual pituitary gonadotroph function after pituitary tumour removal, surgery or irradiation.
How does gonadorelin hydrochloride work?
Gonadorelin activates receptors in the anterior pituitary, stimulating production and release of luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Measuring this response helps show whether functioning pituitary gonadotroph cells are present. The test cannot independently identify the cause of an abnormal response or measure pituitary reserve.
gonadorelin hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 100 micrograms
How to take gonadorelin hydrochloride
This injection is given in a hospital or specialist testing setting. It is not taken by mouth or self-injected. The powder is reconstituted with sterile water and injected under the skin or into a vein.
Expect blood samples before and after the injection.
Tell the testing team about all prescribed, non-prescribed and hormonal medicines.
Food instructions are not relevant because this is an injection.
gonadorelin hydrochloride side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Rare hypersensitivity reactions may include wheezing, bronchospasm, hives, swelling, flushing or a rapid heartbeat.
- Sepsis has been reported, although its frequency is unknown.
- Inflammation or clotting in a vein has been reported, with frequency unknown.
gonadorelin hydrochloride in pregnancy
Gonadorelin hydrochloride should not be given during known or suspected pregnancy. It may provoke premature ovulation when given early in the menstrual cycle, so the clinical team should consider pregnancy status and appropriate pregnancy-prevention measures.
gonadorelin hydrochloride while breastfeeding
The UK product information states that gonadorelin hydrochloride should not be given while breastfeeding. The prescriber should consider delaying the test or using an alternative assessment.
gonadorelin hydrochloride interactions
Some medicines can alter gonadotrophin concentrations or blunt the response, making results difficult to interpret. Only withhold medicines when directed by the supervising team.
Androgens, oestrogens and progestogens
May interfere with the test by directly affecting pituitary gonadotrophin secretion.
Glucocorticoids
May affect pituitary gonadotrophin secretion and distort the measured response.
Oral contraceptives and digoxin
May suppress measured gonadotrophin levels.
Common questions about gonadorelin hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What does gonadorelin hydrochloride test?
It tests whether the anterior pituitary can release luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in response to stimulation.
Is it a fertility treatment?
The UK product is licensed as a diagnostic test, not as fertility treatment.
How is it given?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.