Memory complaints associated with the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists: a preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) treatment on memory and to assess the role of psychological factors.


METHODS
A randomized prospective study.


METHODS
An academic teaching hospital.


METHODS
Women with endometriosis and infertility or endometriosis alone.


METHODS
Memory Observation Questionnaire, Profile of Mood States, Health Concerns scale, a weekly diary of adverse effects.


RESULTS
Perceived memory functioning decreased during GnRH-a administration and by the final week of treatment 44% of women reported moderate to marked impairment in comparison to community norms. Prospective memory was most affected and withdrawal of GnRH-a treatment resulted in a return to normal memory functioning. Impairment was not related to excessive health concerns or mood changes and was uncorrelated with other adverse effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Memory disruption may be a more common side effect of GnRH-a treatment than currently is recognized. Problems were temporary and more likely a result of rapid estrogen depletion than a consequence of mood, somatic distress, or personality factors.
Newton
C
C
Department of Psychology, University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
Slota
D
D
Yuzpe
A A
AA
Tummon
I S
IS
D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D017274:Nafarelin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies
D017274:Nafarelin; D004958:Estradiol; D016729:Leuprolide