Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues inhibit sex steroid synthesis, with applications in the management of a variety of conditions. Despite their widespread use, concerns arise about unintended cardiovascular effects. In males undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, the use of GnRH analogues appears to elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease. Alternatively, women undergoing treatment with GnRH analogues for breast cancer seem to face an elevated likelihood of developing hypertension.

This narrative review by Lim et al. explores the applications of GnRH analogues in adults, adolescents and children. It examines the potential role of sex in the cardiovascular effects of GnRH analogues, and the significance of sex hormone receptors in the vasculature. Additionally, confounding factors such as malignancy, advanced age and infertility are taken into consideration.

Read the full article in Journal of Endocrinology 261 e230309 https://doi.org/10.1530/JOE-23-0309