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ToolsCompareAOD-9604 vs Leuprolide

AOD-9604 vs Leuprolide

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Fat Loss & Metabolic
AOD-9604
Sexual Health & Libido
Leuprolide
Summary
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177-191) with an additional tyrosine residue that significantly enhances bioavailability. Originally developed as an anti-obesity drug by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, it stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without the diabetogenic effects of full GH.
Leuprolide is a synthetic GnRH superagonist that, with continuous administration, paradoxically suppresses LH and FSH through receptor desensitization — the opposite effect of pulsatile GnRH. Used medically for prostate cancer, endometriosis, and precocious puberty. In men's health, short-duration use for PCT and testosterone suppression rebound.
Half-Life
30-45 minutes injectable; longer with nasal spray formulation
~3 hours (SC/IM), but depot formulations last 1–12 months
Admin Route
SubQ, Intranasal, Oral
SubQ, IM
Research
Typical Dose
300-600 mcg
7.5 mg monthly, 22.5 mg 3-monthly, or 45 mg 6-monthly
Frequency
Once daily
Per depot schedule
Key Benefits
  • Selective fat loss without anabolic side effects
  • No effect on blood glucose or insulin resistance
  • Improved bioavailability over Fragment 176-191
  • GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in Australia
  • Potential cartilage repair and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Does not suppress natural GH production
  • Medical: reduces testosterone in prostate cancer
  • Medical: suppresses estrogen in endometriosis and uterine fibroids
  • Medical: delays precocious puberty
  • Research: testosterone rebound effect after short course
  • Transgender care: hormone suppression in adolescents
  • Research: hormonal re-sensitization protocols
Side Effects
  • Localized injection site reactions
  • Headache (rare)
  • Hypoglycemia risk in combination with insulin (very rare)
  • Hot flashes (with testosterone suppression)
  • Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction
  • Initial testosterone flare (first 1–2 weeks)
  • Bone density loss with long-term use
  • +3 more
Stacks With