GNRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone)

Introduction

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone causes the pituitary gland in the brain to make and secrete the hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In men, these hormones cause the testicles to make testosterone. In women, they cause the ovaries to make estrogen and progesterone.

• Taking gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) puts your body into a state like menopause for as long as you take it. This shrinks fibroids. After you stop taking it, your fibroids may grow back.
• Taking GnRH-a can cause serious side effects, such as bone loss. To limit side effects, you take it for a limited amount of time.
• GnRH-a therapy may be a good choice if you are close to menopause (when fibroids shrink), have heavy bleeding from fibroids, or are planning surgery. This medicine usually is not used to relieve fibroid symptoms only, because fibroids grow back fairly quickly after treatment stops.

It's possible—but not likely—for you to get pregnant while taking GnRH-a. If you don't want to get pregnant, ask your doctor about birth control