title: GnRH analogues in the treatment of uterine fibroids.
abstract: It is now known that gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) are extremely efficient at reducing uterine fibroid volume and reversing the related symptomatology. However, the fibroids tend to return to their pretreatment size about 6 months after discontinuing treatment. GnRHa treatment cannot be continued indefinitely due to its potential complications and high cost. It is therefore proposed that GnRHa treatment should be phase one of a two-phase treatment plan for uterine fibroids. The initial course of GnRHa should be followed by either menopause or surgery. Experience with presurgical GnRHa use indicates a definite treatment advantage and the use of GnRHa as adjuncts to surgery is well established. The value of GnRHa treatment as a alternative to surgery in pre-menopausal patients, however, remains to be established.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, (Affiliated to Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Zerifin, Israel.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Golan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone