Current Situation and Progress of Progesterone in the Treatment of Endometriosis

Endometriosis(EMs) is a common,benign and chronic disease of gynecology,it requires long-term or repeated courses of medication treatment to control its related symptoms. EMs is often treated surgically but with a higher rate of recurrence,patients of postoperation often need medical adjuvant therapy. EMs is a kind of estrogen dependent disease,the purpose of drug treatment is to creat an environment of low estrogen, inhibit the growth of ectopic endometrium or make it atrophy. Progestins have good tolerability,minor metabolic effects and low cost,there must therefore be considered drugs of choice and are currently the only safe and economic alternative to surgery, and levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system is especially suitable for the patients who have EMs combined uterine muscle gland disease. According to the stage of individual,the choice of progestin program is different when select a therapeutic schedule drug adverse reaction and mechanism of accurate action should be considered. This article reviews the latest researches of progestins in treating EMs on molecular mechanism,commonly used types,commonly used formulations and dosage,application prospect.