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
NATTY?
No Test ExistsNo established test exists for this compound.
FDA
ApprovedFDA approved for human use.
WADA
Not ListedNot currently on WADA prohibited list.
COMPOUNDING
Rx AvailableAvailable at licensed pharmacies with prescription.
PRESCRIBED
By prescriptionPhysicians can prescribe this compound legally.
ROUTE
Intranasal, IV, or SubQ injectionAdministration via intranasal, iv, or subq injection.
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.
Stats
Sources & Studies
Gary KA. et al., Ann Pharmacother, 2003