GnRH is shorthand for Gonadotropin releasing hormone. GnRH is released from the hypothalamus of the brain when the hypothalamus detects dropping levels of testosterone. GnRH is received by the receptors of the pituitary gland which releases gonadotropin or Gn which travels to the testicles and begins the production of testosterone. In prostate cancer hormone therapy, GnRH agonists and antagonists are used to prevent the pituitary gland from releasing LH. The levels of testosterone will drop 90 to 95 percent to what is called castrate level. The use of a GnRH agonist or antagonist is prostate cancer hormone therapy therefore is often called chemical castration. GnRH is also referred to as LHRH or luteinizing hormone releasing hormone. As a prostate cancer treatment, the removal of the testosterone from the body will temporarily slow or stop the growth and spread of the disease.
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