Leuprolide vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Sexual Health & Libido
LeuprolideAnti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)- Summary
- 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.
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and protects cardiolipin from oxidative damage. It is one of the most promising mitochondrial longevity compounds, studied in clinical trials for heart failure, renal disease, and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Half-Life
- ~3 hours (SC/IM), but depot formulations last 1–12 months
- ~2–5 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IM
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 7.5 mg monthly, 22.5 mg 3-monthly, or 45 mg 6-monthly
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Per depot schedule
- Daily to several times per week
- Key Benefits
- 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
- Restores mitochondrial function and ATP production
- Protects inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin
- Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue
- Cardioprotective — studied in heart failure trials
- Renoprotective — reduces ischemic kidney injury
- Anti-aging via mitochondrial preservation
- Potential in neurodegenerative disease prevention
- Side Effects
- 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
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Stacks With
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