GnRH Agonists in the Treatment of Endometriosis

In: Technology and Infertility · 1993 · pp. 193–201 · doi:10.1007/978-1-4613-9205-7_18 · W79645390
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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) have become a popular medical treatment option for endometriosis, which affects 5-7% of reproductive-age women.

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This chapter reviews the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) for treating endometriosis, motivated by the hormone-dependent features of the disease, including its low occurrence outside reproductive age and regression after bilateral oophorectomy. It describes the context for medical therapy—alongside progestogens, estrogen-progestogen combinations, and danazol—and explains why GnRHa have gained popularity, including evidence drawn from prior studies comparing agents and examining hormonal and biochemical effects. A major limitation explicitly acknowledged through the chapter framing is that while definitive treatment can be surgical, medical therapy emerged partly because repetitive operations may be needed and not all implants can be removed at surgery. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — it is a 1993 review chapter focused specifically on GnRH agonists for endometriosis treatment.

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Abstract

Endometriosis is present in approximately 5 to 7% of reproductive age women and is believed to cause infertility in 20 to 40% of those affected. There is some evidence supporting a hormone-dependent mechanism for endometriosis, as it is rarely found prior to or beyond reproductive age. Furthermore, it regresses following bilateral oophorectomy. Although definitive treatment can best be accomplished by surgery, the potential need for repetitive operative procedures and the inability to remove all endometrial implants at the time of surgery have resulted in the introduction of several types of medical treatment, including progestogens, estrogen-progestogen combinations, and danazol. In recent years gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) have experienced enormous popularity for the medical treatment of endometriosis. Preview Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF. Similar content being viewed by others

References

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