Gonadorelin vs Melanotan 1
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Sexual Health & LibidoAnti-Aging & Longevity
GonadorelinSkin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1- Summary
- Gonadorelin is the synthetic form of endogenous GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). It stimulates the pituitary to release LH and FSH, maintaining testicular function and testosterone production. Widely used alongside TRT to prevent testicular atrophy and preserve fertility.
- Melanotan 1 (Afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of α-MSH that selectively stimulates melanogenesis (tanning) through MC1R activation. It provides UV-independent skin pigmentation and is FDA/EMA-approved under the name SCENESSE for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and vitiligo.
- Half-Life
- ~2–4 minutes (extremely short); pulsatile dosing required to avoid desensitization
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Intranasal
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100 mcg
- 0.5–1 mg
- Frequency
- Twice daily (every 12 hours)
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Key Benefits
- Maintains testicular size during TRT
- Preserves fertility and sperm production during testosterone use
- Stimulates endogenous LH/FSH production
- Maintains HPG axis function during exogenous hormone use
- Used for HCG-free TRT protocols
- Helps restart natural testosterone production (PCT)
- Induces skin pigmentation/tanning without UV exposure
- Provides photoprotection in photosensitivity conditions (EPP)
- FDA-approved for erythropoietic protoporphyria (SCENESSE)
- Approved in EU for EPP treatment
- Anti-inflammatory via MC1R
- Mild libido enhancement
- Potential skin cancer prevention through melanin protection
- Side Effects
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Nausea at initiation
- Tachycardia (rare)
- +1 more
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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