Letrozole combined with oral contraceptives versus oral contraceptives alone in the treatment of endometriosis-related pain symptoms: a pilot study

Yi Zhao, Xiaofei Luan, Yuya Wang
Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology · 2020 · vol. 37(1) , pp. 51–55 · doi:10.1080/09513590.2020.1807502 · PMID:32936010 · W3087196156
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This pilot study found that letrozole combined with oral contraceptives significantly decreased endometriosis-related pain symptoms compared to oral contraceptives alone.

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Abstract

Background To compare the efficacy and the tolerability of letrozole combined with oral contraceptives versus oral contraceptives alone in treating endometriosis-related pain.Methods A total of 820 women with endometriosis presented with endometriosis-related pain were enrolled with this study. Patients were randomly treated either with letrozole (2.5 mg/day) combined with oral contraceptives (Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol Tablets) or oral contraceptives (Desogestrel and Ethinylestradiol Tablets) alone for 6 months. Changes in pain symptoms during treatment and in 1 months after treatment, 6-month follow-up and 12-month follow-up were evaluated. Adverse effects of each treatment protocol were recorded.Results At completion of treatment, the intensity of chronic pelvic pain continued to decrease during treatment and at 1-month after treatment it was significantly lower than at 6-month follow-up and baseline level both in LE + oral contraceptives group (Mean ± SD,1.5 ± 1.4) and in oral contraceptives alone group(Mean ± SD,2.9 ± 1.2).The intensity of chronic pelvic pain and deep dyspareunia was significantly decrease at both 1-month after treatment and 6-month follow-up.Conclusions This treatment for endometriosis is a promising new modality that warrants further investigation.

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Condition tags

endometriosischronic_pelvic_paindyspareunia

MeSH descriptors

Aromatase Inhibitors Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal Endometriosis Letrozole Pain Adult Aromatase Inhibitors Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal Desogestrel Desogestrel Drug Therapy, Combination Endometriosis Endometriosis Ethinyl Estradiol Ethinyl Estradiol Female Humans Letrozole Pain Pain

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