Triptorelin vs Melanotan 1
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Sexual Health & Libido
TriptorelinSkin & CosmeticSexual Health & Libido
Melanotan 1- Summary
- Triptorelin is a synthetic decapeptide analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) with 100x the potency of native GnRH. An FDA-approved drug (Trelstar) for prostate cancer and precocious puberty, it is also used in post-cycle therapy (PCT) to rapidly restart the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis after anabolic steroid suppression.
- 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
- Depot forms: weeks to months; aqueous: 6-8 hours
- ~40–60 minutes (free peptide); implant formulation (SCENESSE) releases over months
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IM
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100 mcg
- 0.5–1 mg
- Frequency
- Single injection
- Daily until desired color achieved, then maintenance
- Key Benefits
- Rapid HPG axis restart after steroid use
- Single-injection PCT protocol possible
- Massively elevates LH and FSH via flare effect
- Restores endogenous testosterone faster than traditional PCT
- FDA-approved for established medical uses
- 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
- Initial testosterone flare (intended)
- Injection site reactions
- Hot flashes (with chronic use)
- Decreased libido (chronic dosing)
- Nausea (especially at higher doses)
- Facial flushing
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
- +3 more
- Stacks With
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