Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone · Thyroliberin · Protirelin
Hypothalamic tripeptide — thyroid stimulation and CNS energy.
FDA
Approved
WADA
Not Listed
HALF-LIFE
~5 minutes (IV), longer (intranasal)
ROUTE
Intranasal, IV, or SubQ injection
SCHEDULE
Daily or as needed
In Plain English
Hypothalamic tripeptide — thyroid stimulation and CNS energy.
Status & Legality
What do these mean?Thyroid stimulation
Depression
CNS energy
Spinal cord injury
TRH is the master hypothalamic tripeptide (Pyr-His-Pro-NH2) that triggers TSH release from the pituitary, stimulating thyroid hormone production. Beyond thyroid regulation, TRH has direct CNS effects — it improves alertness, reduces depression, and has shown neuroprotective effects in spinal cord injury. FDA-approved as Protirelin for thyroid testing.
Flushing
Urge to urinate
Nausea (IV)
Metallic taste
Blood pressure changes
Not monitoring TSH when using for thyroid stimulation — TRH drives TSH production; regular TSH labs are necessary to avoid overshooting
Expecting intranasal and IV effects to be equivalent — IV TRH has stronger TSH stimulation; intranasal provides more CNS effects with moderate thyroid stimulation
Using without ruling out genuine hypothyroidism — if true hypothyroidism is the issue, thyroid hormone replacement is more appropriate than TRH
Thyroid hormone medications — TRH drives endogenous thyroid production; combining with exogenous thyroid hormone requires monitoring for hyperthyroid symptoms
Dopamine agonists — dopamine inhibits TRH release; may reduce TRH effects when combined
Sermorelin/GH secretagogues — dual hypothalamic axis optimization is generally safe; monitor hormone levels
TRH's direct CNS effects — improved alertness, mood, and energy — are distinct from its thyroid-stimulating role and work through separate pathways. For fatigue with borderline-low thyroid function, intranasal TRH 1 mg in the morning offers a physiological nudge without committing to thyroid hormone replacement. Monitor TSH every 6 weeks during thyroid optimization protocols.
SERMORELIN
First-generation GHRH analog — anti-aging GH restoration.
SEMAX
Neuroprotective ACTH analog — focus, memory, and BDNF.
GONADORELIN
Native GnRH — testicular function and fertility on TRT.
Free, no account needed
Drop your email and we'll send the one-page starter checklist beginners actually need first. No account needed.
No spam, and we never sell your email. Just the checklist. Email support@pepvault.us to opt out any time.
Stats
Sources & Studies
Gary KA. et al., Ann Pharmacother, 2003