Treatment of uterine fibroids: current findings with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.

Abstract

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists have potential benefit as presurgical adjuncts in the management of uterine leiomyomas or fibroids. Uterine fibroids contain estrogen receptors and are responsive to therapeutic hormonal manipulation; gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are effective by inducing a state of hypoestrogenism. Clinical trials with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists consistently have demonstrated efficacy for decreasing both myoma size and uterine volume. The advantages of the preoperative use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists include a reduction in uterine and myoma size and vascularity and potentially improved operative technique and uterine cavity integrity. Ongoing clinical trials will be needed to confirm the role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in the treatment of uterine fibroids.

• Authors: G D Adamson
• Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 166 Issue 2 Pg. 746-51 (Feb 1992) ISSN: 0002-9378 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1531577 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Nafarelin
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
• Leuprolide

Topics

• Analysis of Variance
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Female
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Leiomyoma (blood supply, drug therapy, surgery)
• Leuprolide (therapeutic use)
• Nafarelin
• Remission Induction
• Uterine Neoplasms (blood supply, drug therapy, surgery)
• Uterus (drug effects)