Drug treatment of endometriosis

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

There are many methods of treating endometriosis, but the method of treating endometriosis with drugs is still the method recommended by doctors for patients to choose.

The endometrium is the lining that covers the inside of the uterus, this lining is under the influence of the female hormone estrogen, every month when estrogen levels decrease, this lining is shed to form menstruation. Thus, this mucosal layer is only present in the uterine cavity.
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial cells are not located in the uterine cavity, but are located in an abnormal location other than the uterus. The abnormal sites of endometriosis are the fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, bladder, ureters, and rectum...

To date, the cause of endometriosis is not known, however, many theories are put forward such as:
During menstruation, blood and tissue can exit the vagina into the pelvic cavity, inside in the lower abdomen. Due to intercourse during menstruation, the penis has pushed menstrual blood back in. For women after giving birth, endometriosis can be the result of a cesarean section or an intervention in the uterine lumen that causes the lining of the uterus to become damaged. uterine endometrium into the abdominal cavity. Affected by abnormal effects of sex hormones such as estrogen or progesterone on the endometrium. Due to a weakened immune system: does not prevent the growth of endometrial cells in abnormal locations in the pelvis.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease, the removal of endometriosis cells by surgery or medication is only a temporary measure. The goals of endometriosis treatment are to rule out endometriosis lesions and, more importantly, treat symptoms (pain and infertility) and prevent recurrence.
In fact, most women with endometriosis wish to preserve their fertility. Therefore, patients should choose the least invasive, least expensive, most effective, and least risky long-term treatment. For symptomatic cases of endometriosis, it can be treated with pain relievers, hormones, surgery, assisted reproductive methods, or a combination of these methods. For women with endometriosis who have symptoms of pain and infertility at the same time, this makes treatment options difficult.
For medical treatment, drugs used are divided into 2 groups: analgesics and hormone therapy
Pain relievers include drug groups:
Pain relievers and fever reducers (paracetamol, aspirin... ). Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclophenac, meloxicam...). Opioid analgesics (hydrocodone, fentanyl, tramadol...). The group of hormone therapy drugs includes:
Oral contraceptives combined (containing estrogen and progestin) or alone (progestin only), this group of drugs is used to relieve menstrual symptoms (pain) , abnormal bleeding). Side effects of birth control pills include: nausea, headache, breast tenderness, weight gain, abnormal bleeding, mood swings... GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonists include active ingredients similar to those of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. gonadotropin-releasing hormones (buserelin, goserelin, nafarelin, leuprorelin, and triptorelin), which inhibit the release of gonadotropin by the pituitary gland, decrease estrogen production in the ovaries, and prevent ovulation and endometrial growth uterus... GnRH agonists can have significant side effects, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss. Danazol: an androgen that inhibits the release of gonadotropin by the pituitary gland, so it reduces the production of estrogen in the ovaries, preventing ovulation and the growth of the endometrium. Side effects of the drug include: acne, hirsutism, muscle pain, these side effects are more severe than other drugs available. Aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole...): This is a group of drugs that inhibit the production of estrogen in the body. This group of drugs is often combined with oral contraceptives in cases where other drugs or surgical methods do not respond to the desired treatment. Most drugs in the treatment of endometriosis are prescription drugs, with dangerous side effects, so the use of drugs should be under the guidance of a doctor, avoiding self-medication.
Endometriosis is a common disease in women, if not examined and treated, will affect a woman's fertility. Therefore, early screening and detection of gynecological diseases is very important.

Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has a basic gynecological examination and screening package, with a team of medical-physicians who are leading experts, highly qualified, dedicated and devoted to the cause. The patient's benefits will help women detect gynecological diseases early and get timely treatment, avoiding affecting reproductive health.