Hi everyone,

Chatting today I realise I'm really ignorant about GnRH analogues. Can people help explain what they are and how they work? How do they differ from, say, anti androgens? So confused!

Chen x

Here :

https://www.susans.org/wiki/Gonadotropin-releasing_hormone_antagonist

and here :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hormone_replacement_therapy_%28male-to-female%29


its explained.

They have different side effects.


hugs

 GnRH analogues are also incredibly expensive.

Thanks so much for the links Laura: really helpful.

Good point on the expense AnonyMs


x

At first, they stimulate LH production so that testicles produce MORE T but eventually, the constant stimulation of LH stops its production, thus resulting in testicles no longer producing T. Some other anti-androgens only block T (bicalutamide, flutamide), others block it and reduce it through various mechanisms (spiro, cyproterone acetate) and some reduce its conversion to DHT (finasteride, dutasteride).

That's a very succinct summary KayXo. Thank you

I've often thought the easiest thing would be to whip off the testicles (not myself I hasten to add).

Quote from: Richenda on May 11, 2016, 10:08:04 PM
That's a very succinct summary KayXo. Thank you

I've often thought the easiest thing would be to whip off the testicles (not myself I hasten to add).

There are threads on orchiectomies with descriptions and data of people who do it.


hugs

This might help clarify your thoughts on whether you want to try GnRH agonists...

"Annual cost is approximately $10,000-20,000."
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/924002-medication

Drugs in the USA are expensive, but even in Australia it was more than I cared to pay when spiro is practically free. I did actually ask my endo about it some time ago.

Quote from: AnonyMs on May 12, 2016, 06:49:47 AM
This might help clarify your thoughts on whether you want to try GnRH agonists...

"Annual cost is approximately $10,000-20,000."
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/924002-medication

Drugs in the USA are expensive, but even in Australia it was more than I cared to pay when spiro is practically free. I did actually ask my endo about it some time ago.

It may not be that much any more.

And some places cover it.


hugs

After a year of E alone my T was still just slightly below male range so endo thought it might be time to try spiro - Since I take medications to control my HBP my GP and a cardio agreed to start transitioning the meds and replace them wih the spiro - 2 weeks later my potassium levels had spiked so high they were ready to hospitalize me - Fortunately the K levels dropped quick enough to prevent that but left endo to find a new solution - Last September after blood levels had stabilized again he suggested Lupron - As previously stated it super-agitates T production until it just shuts down - If/when all works well it will shut down permanently without any additional injections as long as there is a sufficient level of sex hormone (E or T) in the body - I was indeed skeptical but decided it was worth the try - $3500 (US) for a 3 month injection and insurance would not cover it as it was off label use of the drug - So it has now been 7 months and T levels are still negligible (below female levels) with only the one injection last October - So while expensive, it has worked well for me - Just keeping fingers crossed that it continues to do so

be well
jenifer

Quote from: jenifer356 on May 13, 2016, 12:18:48 PM
it will shut down permanently as long as there is a sufficient level of sex hormone (E or T) in the body

T or E is not needed. The agonist alone will shut down permanently gonad production of sex hormones.