Medical management of endometriosis.
Current approved medical therapies for endometriosis rely on drugs that suppress ovarian steroids and induce a hypoestrogenic state, which determines the atrophy of the ectopic endometrium. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs such as danazol, progestogens and estrogen-progestin combinations have all proven effective in relieving pain and reducing the extent of endometriotic implants. However, symptoms often recur after discontinuation of therapy and hypoestrogenism-related side effects limit the long-term use of most medications. Recently, knowledge of the pathogenesis of endometriosis, particularly at the molecular level, has grown substantially, providing a rational basis for the development of new drugs with precise targets that may be safely administered over the long term.
Clinica Ostetrico-Ginecologica "Luigi Mangiagalli", Università di Milano, Via commenda n 1220122 Milano, Italy. luigi.fedele@unimi.it.
Luigi
L
Fedele
Stefano
S
Bianchi
Eleonora
E
Fontana
Nicola
N
Berlanda
Giada
G
Frontino
Alessandro
A
Bulfoni