Cetrorelix (Cetrotide) Dosage

Fertility challenges can stem from many causes. One common issue is early ovulation, which may interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive. Cetrorelix is a medication used to help manage this issue. It works by blocking gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which helps prevent eggs from being released from the ovaries too early.

GnRH plays a crucial role in women’s reproductive system by supporting the production of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. These hormones help eggs grow and release at the right time. If hormone levels drop too soon, an egg might be released before it’s ready, affecting fertility.

Cetrorelix is commonly prescribed during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. IVF involves collecting mature eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory. By delaying ovulation, Cetrotide gives the eggs time to grow and mature properly before retrieval.

In this post we will focus on the Cetrotide injection, including its function in fertility treatments and how it is administered.

Cetrorelix Dosage Chart (for IVF Treatment)

Day 5–6 (after stimulation begins)	0.25 mg daily	Subcutaneous	Once daily, same time each day (e.g., morning)	To prevent premature LH surge and ovulation during follicular development
Continue daily	0.25 mg daily	Subcutaneous	Until trigger injection (hCG or GnRH agonist) is given	Maintain suppression of LH surge while follicles mature
Alternative (less common) protocol	3 mg single dose	Subcutaneous	On Day 7 or when follicles ≥ 14 mm, as directed	Single-dose suppression (may require follow-up with 0.25 mg if delay occurs)

What Exactly Is Cetrotide?

Cetrotide (Cetrorelix) is a medication used in IVF protocols to prevent premature ovulation. It is prescribed to women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation.
The drug’s active compound is cetrorelix acetate. Given a subcutaneous injection (under the skin), Cetrotide prevents a rise in luteinizing hormone (LH), which can cause early ovulation. By holding off this hormone surge, Cetrorelix ensures that eggs remain in the ovaries longer, allowing them to fully mature before retrieval—an essential factor in successful IVF outcomes.

The use of Cetrorelix

Cetrotide (cetrorelix acetate) is primarily used in reproductive medicine, especially in fertility treatments.

Primary Uses of Cetrorelix

Preventing Premature Ovulation in IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization)

Main Use: Cetrotide is most commonly prescribed to prevent a premature surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation during IVF.

Why It is Important: If LH levels rise too early, it can cause eggs to be released (ovulated) before they are retrieved, compromising the IVF cycle.

Supporting Follicle Maturation

Cetrotide gives follicles (which contain the eggs) more time to mature fully in response to fertility drugs like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).

This results in higher-quality eggs that are more likely to fertilize and implant successfully.

Hormonal Regulation

By blocking the release of GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), Cetrotide indirectly controls downstream hormones like LH and FSH.

This hormonal regulation is key for synchronizing the timing of ovulation with the egg retrieval procedure.

Dosage Calculator

At the beginning of an IVF cycle—usually around day 2 or 3—patients often begin ovarian stimulation with gonadotropin medications like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG). The amount of gonadotropin used is personalized based on how each individual responds to treatment.

Cetrotide is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) and is typically given in one of two ways: either as a daily dose of 0.25 or a single 3mg injection, depending on the specific treatment protocol. These doses are used during the early to middle part of the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
It’s essential to understand that Cetrotide is a prescription-only medication and must be used exactly as instructed by a qualified fertility specialist. Self-administration without proper guidance is strongly discouraged.

Daily Low-Dose Protocol

Dose 0.25 mg per day
Starts around Day 5 or 6 of the ovarian stimulation cycle (once follicles begin to grow).
Given every day at the same time (usually in the morning).
Continues until the “trigger shot” (hCG or GnRH agonist), which prepares the body for egg retrieval.
Purpose: Maintains LH suppression over several days to prevent premature ovulation.

Single High-Dose Protocol

Dose 3 mg single injection
Given as a one-time injection on or around Day 7 of stimulation (or when follicles reach approximately 14mm).
It may cover up to 4 days of suppression.
If the egg retrieval is delayed, a follow-up 0.25 mg daily dose may be required.
Purpose: Suitable for women who need a simpler dosing schedule or are predicted to respond well.

Conclusion

This peptide plays an important role in reproductive therapies, mostly in IVF protocols. It supports successful fertilization and increases the odds of pregnancy by preventing early ovulation while controlling the entire process.
While fertility treatment is often complicated and emotionally challenging, drugs like Cetrotide offer hope to many couples and individuals seeking to become parents.