Triptorelin
Synthetic GnRH agonist used in post-cycle therapy (PCT) to restore endogenous testosterone production.
🔬 Mechanism of Action
Triptorelin is a synthetic GnRH agonist decapeptide used in post-cycle therapy (PCT) to restart the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) after anabolic steroid or SARM suppression.
A single low-dose (100 mcg) subcutaneous injection causes a powerful LH/FSH surge by overstimulating GnRH receptors. This "pituitary restart" can restore natural testosterone production in as little as 72 hours. At higher or continuous doses, triptorelin paradoxically suppresses the HPTA — this is exploited clinically (Trelstar) for prostate cancer treatment.
Source: PMID: 15483224
📜Background & History
Triptorelin is a synthetic GnRH decapeptide analog (D-Trp6 substitution) used medically as a depot injection for prostate cancer (via GnRH receptor desensitization causing chemical castration), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and precocious puberty. In performance medicine, it is used off-label in single low-dose administration (100 mcg) to trigger a massive LH surge for HPG axis restart ("triptorelin PCT") after suppression from androgens or other hormones.
🎯 Research Use Cases
- ✓Post-cycle therapy: single low-dose HPG axis restart after prolonged androgen suppression
- ✓Prostate cancer treatment (depot formulation)
- ✓Endometriosis and uterine fibroid management (depot)
💉 Dosing Protocol
| Typical Dose | 100 mcg (single dose PCT) |
| Frequency | Single dose (PCT) |
| Half-Life | ~3-5 hours |
| Common Vial Sizes | 0.1 mg |
🧪 Reconstitution Example
⚠️Safety & Considerations
FDA-approved (Trelstar) at high doses for prostate cancer. For PCT: use ONLY a single 100 mcg dose. Repeated or higher doses will cause chemical castration (HPTA suppression). This is NOT a peptide for ongoing use.
⚡Interactions & Contraindications
Single low-dose PCT use and depot therapeutic use have opposite mechanisms (pulsatile vs continuous GnRH → stimulation vs suppression). Antiandrogens interact with the testosterone response post-triptorelin. Do not combine with other GnRH analogs.
🔗Synergies & Common Stacks
Triptorelin provides the initial LH surge for HPG restart; Gonadorelin pulsatile dosing then maintains axis activity through recovery phase.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a single dose of triptorelin used for PCT?▼
Is triptorelin safer than Clomid/Nolvadex for PCT?▼
📖 References
- Carel JC, et al. “Triptorelin for treatment of central precocious puberty.” Pediatrics (2009). PMID: 19948620