title: Treatment of uterine fibroids: current findings with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.
abstract: The gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists have potential benefit as presurgical adjuncts in the management of uterine leiomyomas or fibroids. Uterine fibroids contain estrogen receptors and are responsive to therapeutic hormonal manipulation; gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are effective by inducing a state of hypoestrogenism. Clinical trials with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists consistently have demonstrated efficacy for decreasing both myoma size and uterine volume. The advantages of the preoperative use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists include a reduction in uterine and myoma size and vascularity and potentially improved operative technique and uterine cavity integrity. Ongoing clinical trials will be needed to confirm the role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in the treatment of uterine fibroids.
authors.affiliation: Fertility Physicians of Northern California, Palo Alto.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Adamson
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017274:Nafarelin; D012074:Remission Induction; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D017274:Nafarelin; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D016729:Leuprolide