What Is Lupron?

Lupron is a brand name for leuprolide, a synthetic form of a hormone that regulates many bodily processes. Taking Lupron overstimulates production of some hormones, causing the production to temporarily stop. Lupron reduces testosterone levels in men and estrogen in women.

Prostate Cancer

Doctors prescribe Lupron to men to relieve symptoms of prostate cancer. Lupron does not treat the cancer itself, however.

Lupron for Women

For women, Lupron is prescribed to relieve symptoms of uterine fibroids and endometriosis, the growth of uterine lining outside of the uterus. Women also use Lupron for fertility treatments, although this use is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Autism

Reportedly, some parents are administering Lupron to children in an attempt to cure autism. However, in 2009, over 20 prominent endocrinologists dismissed the treatment as useless and potentially harmful, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Chemical Castration

Lupron is sometimes administered as a chemical castration agent in treatment programs for sex offenders. Doctors disagree on the effectiveness of this method.

Administration

Lupron is administered by injection under the skin or into a muscle. Often the injections are provided at a health care facility, but patients may be allowed to perform them at home. Depending on the purpose, injections may be prescribed for once per month, or every three or six months.

References

• Lupron for fertility
• Lupron as chemical castration
• Chicago Tribune

Resources

• Information on Lupron