Overview of approved peptide-based fertility treatments — GnRH agonists, antagonists, and gonadotropins used in assisted reproduction.
Filed under approved medicines, written for patient-consumer, clinician, researcher, evidence level A.
Not medically reviewed. Last updated 2026-04-12. Nothing here is medical advice.
Peptide hormones play central roles in reproductive health, and many approved fertility treatments are peptide-based. This article covers the evidence-based peptide therapies used in assisted reproduction.
GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone) Therapies
GnRH Agonists
**Leuprolide (Lupron)**: Used for pituitary down-regulation in IVF protocols, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids
**Nafarelin (Synarel)**: Nasal spray formulation
**Goserelin (Zoladex)**: Implant formulation
GnRH Antagonists
**Cetrorelix (Cetrotide)**: Prevents premature ovulation during IVF
**Ganirelix**: Prevents premature LH surge
**Elagolix (Orilissa)**: Oral GnRH antagonist for endometriosis
**LH (Luteinizing Hormone)**: Recombinant LH used in combination with FSH
**hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)**: Triggers ovulation in IVF protocols
Kisspeptin Research
Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide that regulates GnRH release, is being investigated as a potential IVF trigger:
May reduce risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Clinical trials ongoing
Not yet approved for this indication
Evidence Level: A (Approved Therapies)
GnRH agonists, antagonists, and gonadotropins are established, FDA-approved therapies with extensive clinical evidence from decades of use in assisted reproduction.
This article provides fertility medicine education and does not constitute medical advice.