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GnRH Antagonist

Meaning

A GnRH Antagonist is a synthetic pharmaceutical agent designed to immediately and competitively block the receptors for Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) in the anterior pituitary gland. By occupying these receptors, the antagonist prevents the binding of endogenous GnRH, thereby causing a rapid, dose-dependent suppression of the release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). This suppression of gonadotropins leads to a swift reduction in the production of sex hormones, specifically testosterone and estrogen, making it a valuable tool in managing conditions like endometriosis, prostate cancer, and precocious puberty. Unlike agonists, antagonists do not cause an initial flare-up of hormone production.