The following hormone treatments are available to those with endometriosis:
Combined oral contraceptive pill (‘the Pill’)
The pill contains the synthetic female hormones oestrogen and progestogen. The combination of these hormones stops eggs being released (ovulation) and make periods lighter and less painful. When taking continuously, back-to-back, periods stop and the symptoms of endometriosis are reduced.
The pill is commonly used to treat endometriosis before a definite diagnosis, as most people who take it do not suffer from side effects. It can also be taken safely for many years. The pill can be taken continuously (without a monthly break) to avoid bleeding.
The Mirena coil is a small plastic T-shaped intrauterine device. It contains a progestogen (progesterone-like substance) that is released into the womb over a period of 5 years. The Mirena coil does not always stop ovulation.
The female sex hormone progesterone stops the endometrium (womb lining) from growing. If the endometrium is exposed to progesterone for a prolonged amount of time it will become thin and inactive. Progesterone has the same effect on endometriosis.
Progestogens are synthetic progesterone hormones, which are used to recreate this effect on the endometrium and endometriosis. The dose of the drug is usually adjusted until periods stop.
There are different types of progestogens available, which may have different side effects. Some are also available in different forms:
- Desogestrel
- Levonorgestrel
- Etonogestrel
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate
- Norethisterone
- Dienogest
There are no known long-term side effects of progestogen treatment.
GnRH is hormone that we naturally produce, and GnRH analogues are a family of drugs that are chemically similar to this natural hormone. The growth of endometrium (lining of the womb) and endometriosis is dependent upon the action of hormones, including GnRH.
GnRH analogues stop the ovaries from being stimulated stopping the production of oestrogen. Therefore, the endometrium and endometriosis become inactive and do not grow.
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