Definition: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows in other places in the body, such as the pelvis. NICHD says researchers are not sure what causes it. The NCI dictionary calls it benign, meaning not cancer, but it can cause pain and trouble getting pregnant.
GnRH agonists treat endometriosis by lowering estrogen, which the tissue needs to grow. Lupron Depot 3.75 mg is approved to manage it, for pain relief and to shrink lesions, alone or with norethindrone acetate "add-back". Zoladex 3.6 mg is approved for it too.
| Label | Hot flashes | Other |
|---|---|---|
| Lupron Depot 3.75 mg | 84% vs 29% on placebo | Bone density loss limits how long it is used |
| Zoladex 3.6 mg | 96% | Bone loss is listed among its warnings |
Estrogen labels such as Premarin and estradiol tablets say estrogen may worsen endometriosis. Premarin adds that some women without a uterus who had endometriosis may still need a progestin.
Pain that follows the cycle is the pattern clinicians look for. Pain scores logged against cycle days, and later against injection dates for a monthly depot, show whether treatment is changing it. Because the Lupron label limits treatment length over bone loss, the start date of each course is worth keeping too, along with any bone density scan results.
Read more on Dose Track: Lupron Depot side effects · Zoladex side effects · Leuprolide guide · Female fertility