GnRH analogues in the treatment of endometriosis — rationale and efficacy

In: Modern Approaches to Endometriosis · 1991 · pp. 257–274 · doi:10.1007/978-94-011-3864-2_14 · W84726609
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Endometriosis treatment for women aged 30-45 depends on disease factors and patient needs, with options including surgical or medical approaches.

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This chapter reviews the rationale and reported efficacy of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues for treating endometriosis during the reproductive years, framing treatment as tailored to disease site, extent, symptoms, age, and childbearing goals and contrasting medical versus surgical approaches. It synthesizes evidence from prior clinical studies using different GnRH agonists and routes (e.g., depot, nasal, intranasal) and compares outcomes such as symptom control across regimens, including comparisons to danazol described in the cited literature. A major caveat emphasized in the chapter’s referenced background is that GnRH analogue–induced hypoestrogenism can lead to reversible hypogonadism and bone density loss, with skeletal effects discussed as an important limitation to efficacy-only interpretations. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — it specifically focuses on the rationale and efficacy of GnRH analogues as medical therapy.

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Abstract

Endometriosis in the reproductive years has its peak incidence between 30 and 45 years as the continued growth of endometriotic tissue is dependent upon oestrogen. As has been outlined in other chapters in this book, the treatment of endometriosis depends upon the site, extent, symptoms of the disease, the patient’s age and her childbearing expectations. Thus treatment is tailored to individual needs. It may be broadly surgically based or a medical approach. Preview Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF. Similar content being viewed by others

References

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In Stoll, Basil A. (ed.) Proceedings of the International Symposium on Endocrine Therapy, pp. 161–164. (Basel: Karger) (Hormone Research, 32 (suppl. 1)) Stevenson, J.C, Lees, B. and Davenport, M. (1988). Determinants of bone density in normal women: risk factors for future osteoporosis? Br. Med. J., 298, 924–928 Editor information Editors and Affiliations Rights and permissions Copyright information © 1991 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht About this chapter Cite this chapter Shaw, R.W. (1991). GnRH analogues in the treatment of endometriosis — rationale and efficacy. In: Thomas, E.J., Rock, J.A. (eds) Modern Approaches to Endometriosis. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-3864-2_14 Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-3864-2_14 Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht Print ISBN: 978-94-010-5719-6 Online ISBN: 978-94-011-3864-2 eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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