Quantification of endometriosis-associated pain and quality of life during the stimulatory phase of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was a quantification of changes in endometriosis-associated pain and quality of life during the stimulatory phase of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy.


METHODS
One hundred twenty women with significant endometriosis-associated pain participated in a 1-month double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Pain was measured at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks with visual analog scales and the Endometriosis Symptom Severity score. Quality of life was measured with the SF-36 instrument. Group means and SEMs were calculated. Paired t tests were used after determination of data normality.


RESULTS
Compared with placebo-treated control subjects women treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist had a statistically (P <. 0001) and clinically significant temporary increase in pain and a concomitant decrease in quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
The stimulatory phase of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy is associated with an increase in endometriosis-associated pain and a decrease in quality of life.
Miller
J D
JD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, 61107, USA.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists*; D006801:Humans; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life
D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D016729:Leuprolide