Leuprolide - Uses and Mechanism of Action

Leuprolide is a medication used in the treatment of prostate cancer, endometriosis, and other hormone-related conditions. It works by decreasing the production of certain hormones in the body.

Leuprolide FAQ

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What is leuprolide used for?

Access free multiple choice questions on this topic. Leuprolide is an FDA-approved gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist used for the management of endometriosis, uterine leiomyomata (also known as uterine fibroids), treatment of central precocious puberty in children, and advanced prostate cancer.

What are the side effects of leuprolide?

signs of a stroke --sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance. Common side effects may include: redness, pain, swelling, or oozing where the medicine was injected. Leuprolide can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

What is leuprorelin used for?

Leuprorelin, also known as leuprolide, is a manufactured version of a hormone used to treat prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, as part of transgender hormone therapy, for early puberty, or to perform chemical castration of violent sex offenders. It is given by injection into a muscle or under the skin.

How does leuprolide affect hormone levels?

Initially, the administration of leuprolide causes stimulation of pituitary gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which leads to an increase in steroidogenesis in ovaries and testes; thus resulting in increased estrogen in females and increased testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in males.

How does leuprolide treat prostate cancer?

In advanced prostate cancer, leuprolide is used as a palliative treatment to help reduce comorbidities and improve quality of life. Leuprolide lowers testosterone levels, which in turn minimizes the stimulatory effect it normally has on androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells, therefore causing them to undergo apoptosis.

Is leuprolide a GnRH agonist?

StatPearls [Internet]. Dallas V. Swayzer; Valerie Gerriets. Last Update: July 10, 2023. Leuprolide is a medication used in the management and treatment of prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, precocious puberty, and other sex hormone-related conditions. It is in the GnRH agonist class of medications.