"Add-back" therapy for endometriosis in adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To review the impact of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-as) on bone mass in adolescents and options for GnRH-a with "add-back" for long-term therapy for adolescents with endometriosis not responding to conventional therapy.


METHODS
Literature research.


RESULTS
The use of GnRH-a plus add-back therapy has not been specifically studied in the adolescent population, and thus the ideal dosage of add-back sex steroids for adolescents has not been delineated.


CONCLUSIONS
GnRH-a plus add-back can be considered for usage in adolescents with endometriosis who are refractory to conventional therapy, but steroids are needed to determine the ideal dosage and long-term effects.
Lubianca
J N
JN
Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Gordon
C M
CM
Laufer
M R
MR
D000293:Adolescent; D000295:Adolescent Medicine / Q000592:standards; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000628:therapy*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D011372:Progestins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004967:Estrogens; D011372:Progestins; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone