Peptides for Reproductive Health
Overview
22 research peptides are currently studied for reproductive health. This guide ranks them by evidence strength and covers their mechanisms, safety profiles, and current clinical status.
Gonadorelin — FDA Approved
Evidence Rating: A Category: Reproductive / Hormonal
Gonadorelin is a synthetic decapeptide identical to the naturally occurring gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) produced in the hypothalamus. It stimulates the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which regulate testosterone production in men ...
Key claims: Maintains testicular function during TRT; Restores fertility in hypothalamic amenorrhea.
Oxytocin — Approved Medication with Strong Human Data
Evidence Rating: A Category: Reproductive / Hormonal
Oxytocin is an endogenous cyclic nonapeptide hormone (Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 with a disulfide bridge between Cys1 and Cys6, MW ~1007.2 g/mol) produced in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. Synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) is one of the most widely used medicatio...
Key claims: Induces and augments labor effectively; Prevents and treats postpartum hemorrhage.
Vasopressin — Approved Medication with Strong Human Data
Evidence Rating: A Category: Reproductive / Hormonal
Vasopressin (arginine vasopressin, AVP) is an endogenous cyclic nonapeptide hormone (Cys-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-Arg-Gly-NH2, MW ~1084.2 g/mol) synthesized in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. It regulates water reabsorption in the renal collecting ducts via V2 receptors an...
Key claims: Effective in vasodilatory shock; Used in cardiac arrest algorithms.
Desmopressin — Approved Medication with Strong Human Data
Evidence Rating: A Category: Reproductive / Hormonal
Desmopressin (1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin, DDAVP) is a synthetic analog of vasopressin (MW ~1069.2 g/mol) with enhanced V2 receptor selectivity and resistance to enzymatic degradation. It is FDA-approved for central diabetes insipidus, hemophilia A (with factor VIII levels >5%), type 1 von Wi...
Key claims: Effectively treats central diabetes insipidus; Raises factor VIII and VWF levels in mild hemophilia A.
Terlipressin — Approved Medication with Strong Human Data
Evidence Rating: A Category: Reproductive / Hormonal
Terlipressin is a synthetic vasopressin analog (MW ~1227.4 g/mol) that acts as a prodrug, slowly converted by tissue peptidases to the active metabolite lysine vasopressin. It was FDA-approved in September 2022 (Terlivaz) for hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (HRS-1), making it the first pharmacotherapy s...
Key claims: Improves renal function in hepatorenal syndrome type 1; First FDA-approved therapy for hepatorenal syndrome.
Carbetocin — Approved Medication with Strong Human Data
Evidence Rating: A Category: Reproductive / Hormonal
Carbetocin is a long-acting synthetic analog of oxytocin (MW ~1041.2 g/mol) with a half-life of approximately 40 minutes, roughly 4-10 times longer than oxytocin. It is included on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Carbetocin is approved in over...
Key claims: Prevents postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean section; Heat-stable formulation effective in tropical settings.
Leuprolide — Approved Medication with Strong Human Data
Evidence Rating: A Category: Reproductive / Hormonal
Leuprolide (leuprorelin) is a synthetic GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonist nonapeptide (MW ~1209.4 g/mol) that is one of the most widely prescribed hormonal therapies in oncology and reproductive medicine. It is FDA-approved for advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, c...
Key claims: Effective androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer; Treats endometriosis-associated pain.
Goserelin — Approved Medication with Strong Human Data
Evidence Rating: A Category: Reproductive / Hormonal
Goserelin is a synthetic GnRH agonist decapeptide analog (MW ~1269.4 g/mol) delivered as a biodegradable PLGA implant (Zoladex) injected subcutaneously in the anterior abdominal wall. It is FDA-approved for advanced prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, and endometrial thinning before ablat...
Key claims: Effective androgen deprivation in prostate cancer; Adjuvant treatment for premenopausal breast cancer.
Triptorelin — Approved Medication with Strong Human Data
Evidence Rating: A Category: Reproductive / Hormonal
Triptorelin is a synthetic GnRH agonist decapeptide analog (MW ~1311.4 g/mol) with a D-Trp substitution at position 6 of native GnRH. It is FDA-approved for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer (Trelstar) and for central precocious puberty (Triptodur). Available as intramuscular depo...
Key claims: Achieves effective castration in prostate cancer; Effectively suppresses puberty in central precocious puberty.
Nafarelin — Approved Medication with Strong Human Data
Evidence Rating: A Category: Reproductive / Hormonal
Nafarelin is a synthetic GnRH agonist decapeptide analog (MW ~1322.5 g/mol) with a D-Nal(2) substitution at position 6, administered as a nasal spray (Synarel). It is FDA-approved for the treatment of endometriosis and central precocious puberty. Nafarelin is approximately 200 times more potent than...
Key claims: Effectively treats endometriosis pain; Suppresses puberty in central precocious puberty.
Histrelin — Approved Medication with Strong Human Data
Evidence Rating: A Category: Reproductive / Hormonal
Histrelin is a synthetic GnRH agonist nonapeptide analog (MW ~1323.5 g/mol) with a D-His(benzyl) substitution at position 6. It is FDA-approved as a subdermal implant for advanced prostate cancer (Vantas, 50 mg implant releasing ~50 mcg/day for 12 months) and central precocious puberty (Supprelin LA...
Key claims: Provides 12 months of continuous testosterone suppression; Effective long-term treatment for central precocious puberty.
Degarelix — Approved Medication with Strong Human Data
Evidence Rating: A Category: Reproductive / Hormonal
Degarelix is a synthetic GnRH antagonist (MW ~1632.3 g/mol) and the first injectable GnRH receptor blocker approved for advanced prostate cancer. FDA-approved in 2008 (Firmagon), it produces immediate suppression of LH, FSH, and testosterone without the initial hormonal flare seen with GnRH agonists...
Key claims: Achieves rapid testosterone suppression without flare; Non-inferior to leuprolide for testosterone suppression.
Related Products
Related Research News
Oxytocin's Vital Role in Social and Relationship Bonds
Oxytocin, known as the love hormone, supports social connections through release during touch, trust, and intimacy. Research indicates it aids trust, empathy, and bonding in romantic, parental, and friendly relationships, though effects depend on context and individual factors. This peptide also interacts with stress systems to promote emotional regulation and well-being.
Atosiban Serves as Maintenance Therapy for Preterm Labor
Atosiban, an oxytocin-receptor antagonist marketed in China in 2006, offers maintenance treatment to manage preterm labor risks after initial tocolysis. Clinical trials show it delays delivery better than placebo in some cases and has fewer side effects than beta-2 agonists. Studies highlight its safety and role in reducing recurrent preterm labor episodes.