Main content Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH-a) Therapy for Endometriosis

    Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH-a) Therapy for Endometriosis



    How Well It Works

    Like all hormone therapies and surgery for endometriosis, GnRH-a therapy does not cure the disease.

    Up to 90% of women report full or partial pain relief after 6 months of GnRH-a therapy. Treatment also shrinks endometriosis implants in about 90% of women.Reference 2

    GnRH-a therapy after surgery can extend pain relief by preventing the growth of new or returning endometriosis.Reference 3

    Pain recurrence

    After GnRH-a treatment, or any other hormone therapy, endometriosis pain can return.Reference 2

    • Each year, up to 20% of all women treated will have pain return after hormone treatment.
    • About 37% of women who use hormone therapy for mild endometriosis have pain 5 years later.
    • About 74% of women who use hormone therapy for severe endometriosis have pain 5 years later.


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