GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING-HORMONE AGONISTS - CURRENT USES FOR THESE INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT DRUGS

Use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists produces a trans ient increase and subsequent long-term reduction in concentrations of pituitary hormones, resulting in gonadal hormone suppression. This rev ersible suppression is useful in treating diseases dependent on these hormones. GnRH agonists have been approved for use in patients with en dometriosis, advanced prostate cancer, and precocious puberty. As rese arch continues, GnRH agonists are expected to change the clinical appr oach to the treatment of many other reproductive and nonreproductive d iseases.