What the studies show
Reduces pain and lesion or fibroid volume by inducing a reversible low-oestrogen state; use is limited by bone loss and menopausal symptoms, usually to six months with add-back therapy.
Several well-run randomised trials in people, pointing the same way. You can plan around this. It still says nothing about whether the effect is worth the side effects for you.
- 1Leuprolide acetate (Lupron Depot) prescribing information and approved indications.FDA / EMA product informationLicensed indications.
In context
Leuprolide is a modified version of GnRH that, given continuously, does the opposite of the natural pulsed hormone: after a brief surge it exhausts the pituitary and shuts down testosterone or oestrogen production almost completely. That makes it a mainstay of advanced prostate cancer, where the 1984 trial that launched it matched the standard oestrogen treatment with far fewer side effects; it is also used for endometriosis, fibroids, central precocious puberty and IVF cycle control. It is a prescription medicine everywhere and prohibited for male athletes.
Leuprolide (leuprorelin) is approved (rx). Legal status differs by country — see the regulation section or the jurisdiction pages.
Questions
Is Leuprolide (leuprorelin) proven to help with endometriosis and uterine fibroids?
What studies are behind the grade?
Is Leuprolide (leuprorelin) approved for this?
Other outcomes for Leuprolide (leuprorelin)
- AMetastatic prostate cancer (hormone suppression)RCT vs DES (n=199) + 40 years of trials
- ATestosterone suppression to castrate levelsApproval-grade
- ACentral precocious pubertyApproval-grade programmes
- AAdverse effectsadverseSame trials + surveillance
Written and maintained by LYO Research — how pages are written and checked. Reviewed 10 September 2026. Grades count human evidence only; see how LYO grades. Not medical advice. Correct this page →