The pharmacotherapy of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease defined by the presence of endometrial tissue in ectopic locations. It is \na debilitating disease of which the pathogenesis is not fully understood. It affects about 10-15% of \nwomen of reproductive age and 70% of women with chronic pelvic pain. \nUnderstanding the pathogenesis and biological processes that result in the symptoms of \nendometriosis highlights the possible targets for treatment by pharmacological means. \nDrugs such as GnRH agonists, Danazol, Gestrinone, and newer drugs like GnRH antagonists target \nthe increased estrogen production, which is a critical factor in the pathogenesis and survival of \nendometrial lesions. Aromatase inhibitors decrease the intrinsic aromatase activity of \nendometriotic lesions. NSAIDs alleviate the dysmenorrhea and non-cyclical pelvic pain associated \nwith endometriosis. Progestogens and oral contraceptives combat the apparent resistance to \nprogesterone in endometrial lesions. \nThis article delves into the significant characteristics of the current medications used in the \npharmacotherapy of endometriosis, their mechanism of action, side effects, and dosage, as well as \nthe possible future ones.