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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.
| 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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