Journal article

Publication year: 2020

Pages: 658-665

Journal: Der Gynäkologe

Volume number: 53

Issue number: 10

ISSN: 0017-5994

eISSN: 1433-0393

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00129-020-04663-7

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 
Approximately 10-15% of women suffer from endometriosis, a chronic disease of pubescent females. While dysmenorrhoea is seen as the cardinal symptom of endometriosis, many patients complain of chronic pelvic pain. Progesterone resistance as well as inflammation characterizes endometriosis on a cellular level. Systemic treatment focuses on analgesia, anti-inflammation, and elevation of progesterone levels. Non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs (NSAR), progestins, combined oral contraceptives, intrauterine systems (IUS) loaded with progestogen, and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH analoges) are used. In Germany, dienogest and danazol are licensed for endometriosis treatment. The latter is rarely prescribed due to its androgenic side effects. Elagolix, which is an orally administered GnRH antagonist, has been licensed in the US to treat endometriosis-associated pain. Additional drugs are currently under investigation in preclinical and clinical studies.

Harvard Citation style: Janschek, E., Woelfler, M., Zeppernick, M. and Meinhold-Heerlein, I. (2020) Drug treatment of endometriosis, Der Gynäkologe, 53(10), pp. 658-665. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00129-020-04663-7

APA Citation style: Janschek, E., Woelfler, M., Zeppernick, M., & Meinhold-Heerlein, I. (2020). Drug treatment of endometriosis. Der Gynäkologe. 53(10), 658-665. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00129-020-04663-7