Leuprolide vs VIP
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Sexual Health & Libido
LeuprolideImmune SupportSleep Optimization
VIP- 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.
- VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with profound anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and immunomodulatory effects. It plays a critical role in gut motility, circadian rhythm, and immune tolerance. Used therapeutically for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), MCAS, and inflammatory conditions.
- Half-Life
- ~3 hours (SC/IM), but depot formulations last 1–12 months
- ~2 minutes in plasma (rapidly degraded by peptidases); intranasal delivery may extend local CNS effects
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IM
- Intranasal, SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 7.5 mg monthly, 22.5 mg 3-monthly, or 45 mg 6-monthly
- 50 mcg (4 sprays of 12.5 mcg each)
- Frequency
- Per depot schedule
- 4x daily
- 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
- Potent anti-inflammatory for CIRS and mold illness
- Improves pulmonary hypertension symptoms
- Regulates gut motility and IBS symptoms
- Modulates circadian rhythm and sleep quality
- Reduces mast cell activation (MCAS)
- Improves cognitive function in neuroinflammatory conditions
- Vasodilatory — reduces vascular resistance
- 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
- Facial flushing (transient, intranasal)
- Mild nausea
- Headache at initiation
- Hypotension at high doses
- +1 more
- Stacks With
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