MANAGEMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS WITH NOR-PROGESTERONE

Nor-progesterone (NP) management of 112 cases of endometriosis is reported. The cytologic effects of NP on the ectopic endometrium normal endometrium and fibroids are described. The results were rather satisfactory. 75-80% of the patients with ectopic endometriosis showed objective as well as subjective relief during and after therapy. However there was a high incidence of mild nausea (79.5%) fluid retention (50%) breakthrough bleeding (38.7%) and mild or severe emotional distress (9%). As long-term follow up is not yet available the duration of therapy is as long as 9 months and troublesome side effects do occur NP therapy should be restricted to symptomatic patients who are 35-years-old or younger. The mode by which NP exerts its ameliorative effect on the endometrium remains to be elucidated.