title: Use of estrogen antagonists and aromatase inhibitors in endometriosis.
abstract: Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disorder mostly occurring in reproductive-age women. Various therapies have been used in an attempt to treat endometriosis, including ovarian suppression therapy, surgical treatment or a combination of these strategies. However, in general, substantial surgery remains the primary treatment option for endometriosis at all stages. Recently, aromatase inhibitors and anti-estrogens have been proposed as novel potential candidates. The rationale for the use of aromatase inhibitors is mostly related to the high aromatase expression in endometriotic cysts and extra-ovarian endometriotic implants. Among anti-estrogens, raloxifene has been investigated in animal models with good results, but in premenopausal women, the compound does not seem to suppress estrogen production.
authors.affiliation: II Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Milano, Via Commenda 12, 20122 Milano, Italy. paola.vigano@unimi.it
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Viganò
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mangioni
authors.forename: Maria Paola
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Odorizzi
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chiodini
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rocca
authors.forename: Ilda
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Chiodo
mesh_terms: D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists