title: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. Current uses for these increasingly important drugs.
abstract: Use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists produces a transient increase and subsequent long-term reduction in concentrations of pituitary hormones, resulting in gonadal hormone suppression. This reversible suppression is useful in treating diseases dependent on these hormones. GnRH agonists have been approved for use in patients with endometriosis, advanced prostate cancer, and precocious puberty. As research continues, GnRH agonists are expected to change the clinical approach to the treatment of many other reproductive and nonreproductive diseases.
authors.affiliation: Jefferson Medical College, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Winkel
mesh_terms: D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011629:Puberty, Precocious / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; C029256:histrelin