Medications for Endometriosis
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The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your healthcare provider if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your healthcare provider, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
Prescription Medications
Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist
- Leuprolide Acetate (Lupron Depot)
- Nafarelin Acetate (Synarel)
- Goserelin Acetate (Zoladex)
- Danazol (Danocrine, Cyclomen)
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Depo-Provera)
- Norethindrone (Aygestin)
- Norlutate
- Progestin-containing Intrauterine Device: Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Progestasert, Mirena)
- Combined estrogen/progesterone oral contraceptives
- Anasrozole
- Letrozole
- Exemestrane
Over-the-Counter Medications
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
Prescription Medications
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist
Common names include:
- Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)
- Nafarelin Acetate (Synarel)
- Goserelin Acetate (Zoladex)
GnRH agonists block the release of hormones that cause ovulation. As a result, estrogen is not produced. This stops the menstrual cycle and helps to relieve the symptoms of endometriosis.
For women with endometriosis, GnRH agonists can have the following health benefits:
- Pain relief (by the 2nd or 3rd month)
- Shrinkage of the endometrial growths
- Delay of a recurrence of endometriosis after surgery
- Improved quality of life
A GnRH agonist can be given by injection or through a nasal spray. It is usually prescribed for six months or more. Side effects are common and can vary depending on the drug taken. They can be severe in some women.
Possible side effects include:
- Bone density loss
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Lowered sex drive
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Memory loss
- Fast heartbeat
- Changes in the skin and hair
- Dryness or burning in the vagina
- Gain or loss of weight
- Depression
Special Considerations
GnRH agonists have been shown to decrease bone density. Talk to your doctor about this risk; it may affect how long you can take these drugs. Because of this problem you may need to take a calcium supplement.
GnRH agonists are known to cause birth defects. Do not take this medication if there is a chance that you can become pregnant.
Androgen/Estrogen-Antagonist
Common names include:
- Danazol (Danocrine, Cyclomen)
Danazol is a synthetic androgen, which is a male hormone. Danazol helps relieve the symptoms of endometriosis by stopping the menstrual cycle.
Danazol can have the following benefits:
- Pain relief
- Shrinkage of endometrial growths
Danazol is taken in pill form, typically three times per day for 6-9 months at a time. It is sometimes given with oral contraceptives to decrease possible side effects. Most of the side effects are due to the effects of the male hormone. Most are relatively mild and stop when treatment stops.
Possible side effects include:
- Increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels
- Changes in blood sugar levels
- Facial hair
- Weight gain
- Dandruff
- Deepening of the voice
- Decreased breast size
- Acne
- Oily skin
- Irritation in the vagina
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
Special Considerations
Danazol is known to cause birth defects. Do not take this medication if there is a chance that you can become pregnant.
Progestins
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Depo-Provera)
- Norethindrone (Aygestin)
- Combined estrogen/progesterone oral contraceptives
- Progestin-containing Intrauterine Device: Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Progestasert, Mirena)
Progestin is one of the hormones that is naturally released during the menstrual cycle. Taken as medication, it stops ovulation and the menstrual cycle. Progestins can be very effective for controlling the symptoms mild to moderate of endometriosis. They can be given as long-term therapy and can be especially useful in women who do not want to become pregnant.
Progestins can have the following health benefits:
- Pain relief
- Improved quality of life
Progestins are taken in either pill form or by injection or by delivery from an intrauterine device. Injections are typically given once every three months. Progestin in pill form can be given as a progestin alone or as an estrogen/progestin-combined oral contraceptive. In pill form, it is taken once per day and should be taken at approximately the same time every day. If it causes nausea, it should be taken just before bedtime.
Possible side effects include:
- Irregular spotting
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
Aromatase Inhibitors
- Anasrozole
- Letrozole
- Exemestrane
Aromatase inhibitors may have a role in the future for treating endometriosis. In premenopausal women, such as women with endometriosis, aromatase inhibitor regimens require concimitant ovarian suppression with a GnRH agonist, progestin, or combined oral contraceptive. The most attractive combination is probably the oral contraceptive plus aromatase inhibitor. The side-effects are comparable to other treatments, but do not include the risk of bone density loss experienced with GnRH agonist.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Common names include:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
NSAIDs are pain relievers. If pain is expected (for example, during your menstrual period), these medications work best when taken on a schedule rather than an as needed basis. The dose depends on the amount of pain. For severe pain, NSAIDs are available in higher doses by prescription. These medications should be taken with food and a full glass of water.
NSAIDs are known to increase bleeding. If you are going to have surgery or a biopsy, tell your healthcare provider that you are taking these medications. Also they should be used with caution if you have a stomach ulcer, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or are taking blood thinners.
Special Considerations
Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:
- Take them as directed—not more, not less, not at a different time.
- Do not stop taking them without consulting your healthcare provider.
- Don’t share them with anyone else.
- Know what effects and side effects to expect, and report them to your health care provider.
- If you are taking more than one drug, even if it is over-the-counter, be sure to check with a physician or pharmacist about drug interactions.
- Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.
References:
The Endometriosis Association website. Available at: http://www.endometriosisassn.org/ . Accessed March 1, 2006.
Endometriosis Research Center website. Available at: http://www.endocenter.org/ . Accessed March 1, 2006.
Kistner’s Gynecology and Women’s Health . 7th ed. Mosby-Year Book; 1999.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. Available at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/ . Accessed March 1, 2006.
National Women’s Health Resource Center website. Available at: http://www.healthywomen.org/ . Accessed March 1, 2006.
Selak V, Farquhar C, Prentice A, Singla A. Danazol for pelvic pain associated with endometriosis [update]. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2001;(4):CD000068.
Moore J, Kennedy S, Prentice A. Modern combined oral contraceptives for pain associated with endometriosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews . 2000;(2):CD001019.
Farquhar C, Sutton C. The evidence for the management of endometriosis. Curr Opinion in Obstet & Gynecol. 1998;10(4):321-332.
Vercellini P, Cortesi I, Crosignani PG. Progestins for symptomatic endometriosis: a critical analysis of the evidence. Fertility & Sterility. 1997;68(3):393-401.
Abou-Setta AM, Al-Inany HG, Farquhar CM. Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) for symptomatic endometriosis following surgery. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2006;(4):CD005072.
Allen C, Hopewell S, Prentice A. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain in women with endometriosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005;(4):CD004753.
Yap C, Furness S, Farquhar C. Pre and post operative medical therapy for endometriosis surgery. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2004;(3):CD003678.
Surrey ES, Hornstein MD. Prolonged GnRH agonist and add-back therapy for symptomatic endometriosis: long-term follow-up. Obstet & Gynecol. 2002;99(5):709-719.
Appleyard TL, Mann CH, Khan KS. Guidelines for the management of pelvic pain associated with endometriosis: a systematic appraisal of their quality. BJOG. 2006;113(7):749-757.
Razzi S, Fava A, Sartini A, et al. Treatment of severe recurrent endometriosis with an aromatase inhibitor in a young ovariectomised woman. BJOG. 2004;111:182-184.
Shippen E, West WJ. Successful treatment of severe endometriosis in two premenopausal women with an aromatase inhibitor. Fertil Steril. 2004;81:1395-1398.
Attar E, Bulun SE. Aromatase inhibitors: the next generaton of therapeutics for endoemtriosis? Fertil Steril. 2006;85:1307-1318.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, FACOG
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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