Norethindrone acetate versus extended-cycle oral contraceptive (Seasonique®) in the treatment of endometriosis symptoms: A prospective open-label comparative study

Carolina Scala, C. Scala, Scala C, U. Leone Roberti Maggiore, Umberto Leone Roberti Maggiore, F. Barra, Fabio Barra, Venturini PL, P. L. Venturini, Simone Ferrero, S Ferrero
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology · 2018 · vol. 222 , pp. 89–94 · doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.01.022 · PMID:29408753 · W2793773097
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This prospective open-label study compared norethindrone acetate and the extended-cycle oral contraceptive Seasonique for treating endometriosis symptoms.

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Abstract

IntroductionThis patient preference prospective study was designed to compare patients' satisfaction in women with endometriosis treated either by an extended-cycle oral contraception (OC) or by norethindrone acetate (NETA).MethodsThis patient preference prospective study included women of reproductive age with endometriosis. Patients were submitted to one of the following 12 months' treatments: Group A, continuous oral treatment with NETA (2.5 mg/day) and Group B, a 91-day extended-cycle OC (LNG/EE 150/30 mcg for 84 days and EE 10 mcg for 7 days). Patient satisfaction was the primary endpoint.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the rate of satisfied patients at 12-month follow up between the two study groups, 82.2% and 68.4% in Group A and Group B respectively (p = 0.143). At 6 and 12-months, there was a significant amelioration in the intensity of all pain in both groups. The median number of days of unscheduled bleeding during the first cycle was significantly higher in Group B compared to Group A.ConclusionBoth NETA and extended-cycle OC are effective in treating pain symptoms related to endometriosis. Extended-cycle OC may cause more unscheduled bleeding, but the rate of satisfaction for those who completed the treatment was similar in the two groups.

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Condition tags

endometriosischronic_pelvic_pain

MeSH descriptors

Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic Endometriosis Intestinal Diseases Norethindrone Ovarian Diseases Patient Preference Vaginal Diseases Adult Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic Drug Combinations Endometriosis Endometriosis Ethinyl Estradiol Ethinyl Estradiol Ethinyl Estradiol Female Follow-Up Studies Humans Incidence

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