Peptide Comparison
NafarelinvsTriptorelin
A potent GnRH agonist that initially stimulates then suppresses reproductive hormones, used for treating endometriosis and central precocious puberty with convenient nasal spray delivery.
GnRH agonist that helps manage prostate cancer, endometriosis, and early puberty by controlling sex hormones
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Nafarelin
As prescribed–As prescribed mg
Triptorelin
0.1 mg–22.5 mg mg
Frequency
Nafarelin
Once daily
Triptorelin
Once daily
Administration
Nafarelin
As directed by healthcare provider
Triptorelin
Intramuscular injection
Cycle Length
Nafarelin
Ongoing/indefinite
Triptorelin
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset Speed
Nafarelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Triptorelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Nafarelin
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
Triptorelin
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Endometriosis Treatment
Precocious Puberty
Hormone Regulation
Cancer Management
Endometriosis Relief
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Nafarelin
Molecular Formula
C66H83N17O13
Molecular Weight
1322.5 g/mol
Half-Life
Approximately 2-6 hours (varies by route of administration)
Bioavailability
~2-3% (intranasal)
CAS Number
86220-42-0
Triptorelin
Molecular Formula
C64H82N18O13
Molecular Weight
1311.4 g/mol
Half-Life
2-3 hours (free peptide); 2-4 weeks (depot pamoate formulations)
Bioavailability
~100% (intramuscular/subcutaneous injection)
CAS Number
57773-63-4
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Nafarelin
Triptorelin
Applications
Best
suited for
Nafarelin
Managing moderate to severe endometriosis pain that doesn't respond to other treatments
Nafarelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on managing moderate to severe endometriosis pain that doesn't respond to other treatments. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Treating children with precocious puberty (early puberty)
Nafarelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on treating children with precocious puberty (early puberty). Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Preparing women for endometriosis surgery by reducing inflammation
Nafarelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on preparing women for endometriosis surgery by reducing inflammation. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Improving fertility outcomes in assisted reproductive procedures
Nafarelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on improving fertility outcomes in assisted reproductive procedures. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Triptorelin
Managing advanced prostate cancer when combined with other treatments
Triptorelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on managing advanced prostate cancer when combined with other treatments. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Relieving severe endometriosis pain and symptoms
Triptorelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on relieving severe endometriosis pain and symptoms. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Delaying puberty development in children with early sexual maturation
Triptorelin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on delaying puberty development in children with early sexual maturation. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Nafarelin
Common
- Hot flashes and night sweats (happen in 90% of users)
- Mood changes including depression or anxiety
- Decreased sexual interest
- Vaginal dryness
- Headaches
- Nasal irritation (if using spray formulation)
- Breast tenderness
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Weight gain or changes in body composition
- Nausea and upset stomach
- Sleep problems
- Emotional sensitivity and mood swings
- Allergic reactions (rare)
- Significant bone density loss with extended use
- Severe mood disorders requiring medical attention
- Hot flashes (flushes of heat and redness)
- Night sweats and chills
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Mood depression or anxiety
- Changes in sexual desire
- Weight changes
- Headaches
- Muscle and joint aches
- Nasal irritation or sinus problems
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Acne
- Sleep disturbances
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Bone pain
Serious
- Severe allergic reaction
Triptorelin
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Nafarelin
Evidence Level
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
FDA Status
FDA approved for this use
Safety Overview
Nafarelin is FDA-approved with a well-established safety profile across decades of clinical use for endometriosis and precocious puberty. The most significant safety consideration is hypogonadism and bone density loss during prolonged therapy, requiring add-back therapy (norethindrone 0.4 mg daily) after 6 months to prevent osteoporosis. Common side effects—hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes—are reversible upon discontinuation and typically diminish with continued use.
Contraindications
- xPregnancy (can harm fetus - must use non-hormonal birth control)
- xHypersensitivity to GnRH agonists
- xUndiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- xSevere osteoporosis or bone disease
Triptorelin
Evidence Level
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
FDA Status
FDA approved for this use
Safety Overview
Triptorelin (GnRH agonist) has extensive FDA-approved safety data spanning decades for prostate cancer, endometriosis, and precocious puberty indications. Initial testosterone surge upon initiation ("flare reaction") can worsen prostate cancer or spinal cord compression symptoms, requiring careful patient monitoring in first 1-2 weeks and use of androgen antagonists in high-risk patients. Hypogonadal effects including hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, and bone loss develop predictably with chronic GnRH suppression; bone density monitoring is recommended in patients on therapy >6 months.
Contraindications
- xPregnancy (can affect fetal development)
- xUndiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- xKnown hypersensitivity to GnRH agonists
- xSevere untreated depression
- xActive spinal cord compression in prostate cancer (requires urgent decompression)
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Nafarelin if...
- Managing moderate to severe endometriosis pain that doesn't respond to other treatments
- Treating children with precocious puberty (early puberty)
- Preparing women for endometriosis surgery by reducing inflammation
- Improving fertility outcomes in assisted reproductive procedures
Choose Triptorelin if...
- Managing advanced prostate cancer when combined with other treatments
- Relieving severe endometriosis pain and symptoms
- Delaying puberty development in children with early sexual maturation