Endometriosis is a complex disease and unfortunately to date it is not known how to treat it.
has been clarified exactly what its cause is and as a result there is no
any medication aimed at treating the disease.
However, there are several therapeutic approaches that aim to
to improve the symptoms and therefore the quality of life of patients who
suffering from endometriosis. The use of these drugs helps in many
in many cases and in shrinking the foci of Endometriosis, especially in the most
especially in its more extensive forms. The primary goal of this treatment is to achieve
amenorrhoea, i.e. the absence of menstruation
Medication for women with endometriosis includes the use of
combined contraceptive pills with estrogen and progestogen,
progestogens, gonadotropin releasing factor agonists
(GnRH agonists) and antagonists of the releasing factor of
gonadotropin releasing hormones.
As regards combined contraceptive pills, it is preferable that they be given
in a continuous cycle in order to achieve the desired amenorrhea.
Progestogens are available in various forms of administration such as tablets of
oral form, injectable form and also as a hormonal intrauterine coil which
which can remain in the uterus for up to 5 years, releasing
a constant daily amount of a progestogen, levonogestrel.
The agonists of the gonadotropin releasing factor are the preparations
which act in the hypothalamus of the brain, and suppress the production
hormone production centrally in the brain, causing what we often call
artificial and transient menopause. It’s a treatment with fairly good
results as the very low levels of estrogen that are suppressed
cause a significant improvement in the disease. However, due to the intense
menopausal symptoms they cause and the transient deterioration
they cause at the start of treatment, their administration is often avoided
or recommended after other alternative hormonal therapies have failed. Finally, the
duration of treatment is recommended for 6 months.
Antagonists of gonadotropin releasing factor is a new
a new class of drug therapy, which has recently been approved for
treatment of endometriosis. These drugs suppress the production of
hormone production by keeping estrogen levels low. They are linked
but these drugs are also associated with several side effects that often lead
to discontinuation of treatment.
It is worth noting that in all cases the pharmaceutical approach should be
the extent of the disease, the symptoms and the
patient profile. In any case, whatever approach is taken
it is advisable to combine it with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics for
reduce symptoms.