NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Pharmacology
/
Other Renal & Urologic Pharmacology
/
Leuprolide

Master Leuprolide for USMLE

Ditch memorizing & master leuprolide with Picmonic! Stories and mnemonics make understanding mechanism & uses FUN! Conquer USMLE & impress patients!

DOWNLOAD PDF
Leuprolide

Leuprolide

Loop-ride
Picmonic
Leuprolide is a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. When given in a pulsatile fashion leuprolide stimulates the GnRH receptors in the anterior pituitary resulting in stimulation of LH and FSH which then stimulate the ovaries and testes to produce sex steroids. Leuprolide can act as a potent inhibitor of gonadotropin secretion when administered continuously. This inhibition of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) results in suppression of ovarian and testicular production of sex steroids. Pulsatile release of leuprolide is used to treat infertility. Continuous administration of leuprolide is used to treat prostate cancer, precocious puberty, uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Because it can ultimately inhibit sex steroid production when given in a continuous manner, leuprolide can send antiandrogenic effects such as decreased libido, nausea/vomiting and symptoms of menopause like amenorrhea and hot flashes.
10 KEY FACTS
MECHANISM
GnRH Agonist (Pulsatile Use)
Gopher Dragonist (on Pulsing-track)

Leuprolide is a GnRH agonist. When given in a pulsatile fashion, it binds to the GnRH receptors in the anterior pituitary, which results in increased production and release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary.

GnRH Antagonist (Continuous Use)
Gopher Ant-toga (on Continuous-track)

Leuprolide normally works as a GnRH agonist, but, when taken continuously, the constant stimulation of the GnRH receptors by a GnRH agonist results in a downregulation of the GnRH receptors. This downregulation then results in a downregulation of FSH and LH. The downregulation of GnRH receptors and subsequent downregulation of FSH and LH is why Leuprolide, when given continuously, is considered to have antagonistic effects.

Upregulates FSH And LH
Up-regulating-arrow with Fish and Luge

GnRH binding to its receptor in the anterior pituitary upregulates production and release of FSH and LH, which then bind to their receptors on the Sertoli cells and the Leydig cells respectively in males and to the Granulosa cells and Theca internal cells respectively in females.

Downregulates FSH And LH
Down-regulating-arrow with Fish and Luge

Constant stimulation of the GnRH receptors by a GnRH agonist results in a downregulation of the GnRH receptors and a resulting downregulation of FSH and LH.

INDICATIONS PULSATILE
Infertility
Infertile-female-plant

When given in a pulsatile fashion, Leuprolide upregulates FSH and LH. Increasing LH stimulates leydig cells to produce testosterone and thereby increases sperm production.

INDICATIONS CONTINUOUS
Prostate Cancer
Prostate-plum Tumor-guy

Leuprolide is approved for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. In addition to prostate cancer, Leuprolide can also be used for breast cancer.

Precocious Puberty
Pubescent-baby

Precocious puberty is the appearance of hormonal and physical signs of puberty at a younger age than what is considered normal. Central precocious puberty can be treated by suppressing LH and FSH production by the anterior pituitary, thereby suppressing sex steroid production. Precocious puberty can be treated with continuous leuprolide because, when given continuously, leuprolide acts as a GnRH antagonist and ultimately results in decreased production of sex steroids.

Uterine Fibroids
Uterus Fiber-net

GnRH agonists given continuously can be used to treat fibroids. Continuous administration results in downregulation of the GnRH receptors, thereby decreasing LH and FSH and the production of estrogen and progesterone. This decrease temporarily puts the patient in a postmenopausal state, resulting in the shrinking of fibroids and the cessation of menstruation.

Endometriosis
Endometrium-roses

Endometriosis is a condition wherein cells from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) appear and flourish outside the uterine cavity. These cells appear most commonly on the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, the peritoneum. When GnRH is given continuously, it results in downregulation of the GnRH receptors and subsequent downregulation of LH and FSH. This decrease in LH and FSH significantly decreases estrogen. It is this decrease in estrogen that helps control symptoms of endometriosis.

SIDE EFFECTS
Anti-androgenic Effects
Ant-tie and Android-genie

Leuprolide has antiandrogenic effects, such as decreasing testosterone in men and estrogen in women. This decrease manifests as decreased libido, nausea/vomiting, hot flashes, and amenorrhea.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
ACE Inhibitors
picmonic thumbnail
ACE Inhibitor Toxicity
picmonic thumbnail
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
picmonic thumbnail
Hypertension Medications
picmonic thumbnail
Heart Failure Interventions

Take the Leuprolide Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,970,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.