Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that is responsive to management with steroids. The establishment of a steady hormonal environment and inhibition of ovulation can temporarily suppress ectopic implants and reduce inflammation as well as associated pain symptoms. In terms of pharmacological management, the currently available agents are not curative, and treatment often needs to be continued for years or until pregnancy is desired. Similar efficacy has been observed from the various therapies that have been investigated for endometriosis. Accordingly, combined oral contraceptives and progestins, based on their favourable safety profile, tolerability and cost, should be considered as first-line options, as an alternative to surgery and for post-operative adjuvant use. In situations where progestins and oral contraceptives prove ineffective, are poorly tolerated or are contraindicated, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues, danazol or gestrinone may be used. Future therapeutic options for managing endometriosis must compare favourably against existing agents before they can be considered for inclusion into current practice. Finally, as reproductive prognosis is not ameliorated by medical treatment, it is not indicated for women seeking conception. Similar content being viewed by others

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This review was supported in part by the University of Milan School of Medicine Research Grant FIRST no. 12-01-5068118-00067 and by the Center for Research in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Milan, Italy. The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the contents of this review. Author information Authors and Affiliations Corresponding author Rights and permissions About this article Cite this article Vercellini, P., Somigliana, E., Viganò, P. et al. Endometriosis. Drugs 69, 649–675 (2009). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200969060-00002 Published: Issue date: DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200969060-00002