Medications for Endometriosis
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed. Prescription MedicationsGonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist
Prescription MedicationsGonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) AgonistCommon names are:
These medicines block the release of hormones that cause ovulation. As a result, estrogen is not made. This stops the menstrual cycle and helps to ease problems. These can:
These medicines can be given by injection or through a nasal spray. They are taken for 6 months or more. Side effects are common and depend on the drug that is taken. They can be severe. Some problems are:
This medicine can decrease bone density. It may affect how long it can be taken. It may need to be taken with a calcium supplement. It may also cause birth defects. Women who may become pregnant should not take this medicine. Androgen/Estrogen-AntagonistDanazol is an androgen, which is a male hormone. It helps ease problems by stopping reproductive hormones from being made. It also stops the menstrual cycle. It can:
It is taken as a pill for 6 to 9 months. It may be given with oral contraceptives to lower the chance of problems. Most are mild and go away when it is stopped. Some problems are:
It may cause birth defects. Women who may become pregnant should not take this medicine. Progestins
Progestin is a hormone that is released by the ovary during the menstrual cycle. It stops ovulation and the menstrual cycle when it is taken as a medicine. It can help manage mild-to-moderate symptoms. It can also be given as long-term therapy. They are a good choice for women who do not want to become pregnant. It can:
They are taken in pill form, by injection, or through an intrauterine device. Injections are typically given once every 3 months. Pills can be given alone or as an estrogen/progestin-combined oral contraceptive. The pill should be taken once per day at about the same time. It should be taken before going to sleep if nausea is a problem. Some problems are:
Aromatase Inhibitors
Premenopausal women must take this medicine with a GnRH agonist, progestin, or a combined oral contraceptive. A combined oral contraceptive and aromatase inhibitor is most often used. Bone density loss is a risk when it is taken with a GnRH agonist. Over-the-Counter MedicineNonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)Common names are:
NSAIDs are pain relievers. They work best when taken on a schedule. The dose depends on the amount of pain. They are available in higher doses by prescription to treat severe pain. They should be taken with food and a full glass of water. NSAIDs can increase bleeding. People having surgery or a biopsy should talk to their doctors before taking this medicine. They should be used with care in people who have a stomach ulcer, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or those who are taking blood thinners. References:Brown R, Byrne D, et al. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline NG73. Endometriosis: diagnosis and management. National Guideline Alliance (UK). NICE 2017 Sep. Endometriosis. ACOG website. Available at: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Endometriosis. Updated January 2019. Accessed November 12, 2019.
Endometriosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/endometriosis. Updated August 30, 2019. Accessed November 12, 2019.
Endometriosis. Office on Women's Health website. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis. Updated April 1, 2019. Accessed November 12, 2019.
Last reviewed September 2019 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG | |
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