Goserelin Health Dictionary

A hormone that stimulates the PITUITARY GLAND to secrete three hormones: gonadotrophic, luteinising and follicle-stimulating. Gonadorelin can be made arti?cially and given by intravenous injection. It is used to stimulate the OVARIES when treating infertile women, and to investigate suspected disease of the HYPOTHALAMUS. Analogues of the hormone (buserelin and goserelin) are chemically similar and can be used to suppress release of gonadorelin, so cutting the production of pituitary hormones. The two analogues are given to treat

ENDOMETRIOSIS, breast cancer (see BREASTS, DISEASES OF) and prostate cancer (see PROSTATE GLAND, DISEASES OF).... gonadorelin

(GnRH analogue, LHRH analogue) any one of a group of analogues of *gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (gonadorelin), which stimulates release of the gonadotrophins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. They are more powerful than the naturally occurring hormone, initially increasing the secretion of gonadotrophins by the pituitary: this acts to block the hormone receptors and to inhibit the release of further gonadotrophins, which suppresses production of oestrogens and androgens. Gonadorelin analogues include *buserelin, *goserelin, leuprorelin, and triptorelin. They are used in the treatment of endometriosis, fibroids, and some types of infertility. GnRH analogues are also used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. After causing an initial rise in plasma testosterone for approximately ten days the level then falls to the same low level as that achieved by castration. Because the initial flare in testosterone may cause an acute enlargement of the cancer, *anti-androgens are given usually for the first two weeks following the first injection of the gonadorelin analogue.... gonadorelin analogue