A class of drugs known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists is used in reproductive medicine to alter the way hormones control the menstrual cycle and fertility. By inducing the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), GnRH is a neuropeptide that is essential for controlling the reproductive system. The ovaries then generate progesterone and estrogen in response to these hormones. GnRH antagonists function by competitively attaching to the pituitary gland's GnRH receptors, blocking the body's natural production of GnRH and triggering the release of LH and FSH. As a result, gonadotropin secretion is quickly and reversibly suppressed, which prevents the regular hormonal swings that take place during the menstrual cycle. Controlled ovarian stimulation is one of the main applications of GnRH antagonists in assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). GnRH antagonists prevent premature ovulation and provide precise control over the timing of egg retrieval by momentarily reducing the natural surge of LH. Optimizing the success of in vitro fertilization techniques requires this. GnRH antagonists enable a faster onset of suppression without the initial flare-up than GnRH agonists, which first generate an initial surge in gonadotropin release before downregulating the receptors. Because of this, they are especially helpful in delaying an early rise in LH during the first few stages of ovarian stimulation. GnRH antagonists that are commonly used include cetrorelix and ganirelix, which are injected subcutaneously. In order to avoid premature ovulation, these drugs are usually started in the latter phases of ovarian stimulation. The risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a possible side effect of ovarian stimulation in in vitro fertilization (IVF), has been shown to be effectively decreased by GnRH antagonists. GnRH antagonists can cause injection site reactions, headaches, and minor ovarian enlargement, albeit these adverse effects are usually well-tolerated. Fertility specialists closely supervise the use of GnRH antagonists to minimize side effects and assure optimal results from assisted reproductive procedures.
