gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist

Definition of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist

gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist

(goh-NA-doh-TROH-pin-reh-LEE-sing HOR-mone A-guh-nist)
A substance that keeps the testicles and ovaries from making sex hormones by blocking other hormones that are needed to make them. In men, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists cause the testicles to stop making testosterone. In women, they cause the ovaries to stop making estrogen and progesterone. Some gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are used to treat prostate cancer. Also called GnRH agonist, GnRHa, LHRH agonist, and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms