A significant side effect of GnRH agonists?

A significant side effect of GnRH agonists?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Nausea
• C. Headache
• D. Bone loss and increased risk of osteoporosis

Answer: (D)

GnRH agonists produce sustained suppression of the pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to low estrogen in people with ovaries (and low testosterone in those with testes). Estrogen is crucial for maintaining bone density, so when its levels fall, bone remodeling shifts toward resorption. Over time this reduces bone mineral density and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. That is why bone loss is the significant side effect associated with GnRH agonists. Weight gain, nausea, and headaches can occur with therapy, but they are not as impactful on long-term bone health.

GnRH agonists produce sustained suppression of the pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to low estrogen in people with ovaries (and low testosterone in those with testes). Estrogen is crucial for maintaining bone density, so when its levels fall, bone remodeling shifts toward resorption. Over time this reduces bone mineral density and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. That is why bone loss is the significant side effect associated with GnRH agonists. Weight gain, nausea, and headaches can occur with therapy, but they are not as impactful on long-term bone health.