Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH-a) Therapy for Endometriosis
Why It Is Used
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) therapy is widely used to shrink endometriosis implants, which relieves pain. GnRH-a therapy is usually a second-choice treatment that is used when several months of birth control pill therapy have not been effective.
GnRH-a therapy is sometimes used before surgery to make implants easier to remove. This can help reduce the amount of scar tissue created by the surgery.
GnRH-a therapy can't be used as an infertility treatment. (But it may be used before Reference in vitro fertilization Opens New Window.Reference 1)
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 14, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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