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Leuprolide

Leuprolide is an established GnRH agonist used to suppress sex-hormone production. Different approved products serve advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, selected preoperative fibroid-related anemia and central precocious puberty. Its formulations and indications must be distinguished rather than treated as interchangeable.

Also known as Leuprorelin · Leuprolide acetate · Lupron Depot · Lupron Depot-PED · Eligard · Fensolvi · Camcevi

Approved medicine · see jurisdictionEstablished clinical evidenceReproductive system
AI-assisted source review · 2026-10-273 cited sources2 min read

At a glance

Drug familyGnRH agonist
Oncology useAdvanced prostate cancer
Gynecology usesEndometriosis; selected preoperative fibroid-related anemia
Pediatric useCentral precocious puberty
DeliverySeveral distinct depot or injection products
Early effectTransient hormone stimulation before suppression

Overview

Leuprolide is a synthetic analogue of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, supplied in several injection and depot formulations. Continuous exposure initially stimulates and then suppresses pituitary signaling, reducing testosterone or ovarian estrogen. The same biological action is useful in several diseases, but treatment objectives differ: controlling androgen-dependent cancer, reducing endometriosis symptoms, improving anemia before fibroid surgery with iron, or suppressing early central puberty. Product labels differ in delivery, duration, population and permitted combinations. A label for a prostate-cancer depot therefore cannot be assumed to describe a pediatric or gynecologic preparation.

Supporting sources [1] [2] [3]

How it works

Leuprolide activates pituitary GnRH receptors, initially increasing LH and FSH release. Sustained exposure then desensitizes the pituitary response and reduces gonadotropin secretion, lowering gonadal sex steroids. The initial stimulation can cause a temporary symptom flare before suppression occurs. Longer-term hypoestrogenism or androgen deprivation explains several adverse effects, including hot flushes, sexual symptoms, bone loss and relevant metabolic changes.

Supporting sources [1] [2] [3]

Which product is intended for which condition?

US labels separately describe prostate-cancer Lupron Depot, pediatric Lupron Depot-PED and gynecologic Lupron Depot. The fibroid indication concerns preoperative hematologic improvement with iron in patients with bleeding-related anemia. Endometriosis labeling addresses symptom control and, in specified circumstances, norethindrone add-back therapy.

Supporting sources [1] [2] [3]

How should benefits be interpreted?

The prescribing information reports clinical studies for the relevant formulation and indication. Testosterone suppression is a key prostate-cancer endpoint; pediatric assessment includes stimulated hormone responses, pubertal progression and growth; gynecologic studies evaluate symptoms, lesions or anemia. These outcomes should not be collapsed into a general claim of hormone optimization.

Supporting sources [1] [2] [3]

What risks differ across treatment settings?

Tumor flare can worsen prostate-cancer symptoms early in treatment. Labels address bone loss, pregnancy-related harm, psychiatric effects, seizures and severe skin reactions. The prostate label also covers metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and QT effects; pediatric labeling includes intracranial hypertension. Monitoring should follow the actual product and population.

Supporting sources [1] [2] [3]

Does add-back therapy cancel the intended effect?

In approved endometriosis regimens, norethindrone add-back is used to reduce certain consequences of estrogen suppression, including bone loss, while treating symptoms. This does not mean every leuprolide use needs the same combination. The gynecologic label specifies limits on duration and circumstances for retreatment.

Supporting sources [3]

Reading this profile

Jurisdiction: United States; indications and availability vary by formulation and country.. Molecular class: Synthetic GnRH agonist peptide; formulation-specific depot medicines.

This profile was written with AI-assisted research and checked against the linked sources. It has not been represented as a clinician’s review. Evidence summaries describe the cited studies and products; they do not establish that a separately purchased preparation is equivalent.

Sources & references

Follow the original material. Product labels define specific formulations and uses; trial registration describes a study and does not by itself establish benefit.

  1. Lupron Depot for prostate cancer — current US prescribing information ↗
    Regulatory source · Checked 2026-10-27
  2. Lupron Depot-PED — current US prescribing information ↗
    Regulatory source · Checked 2026-10-27
  3. Lupron Depot for endometriosis and fibroid-related anemia — US prescribing information ↗
    Regulatory source · Checked 2026-10-27
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