Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist
Common names are:
These medicines block the release of hormones that cause ovulation. As a result, estrogen is not made. This stops the menstrual cycle and helps to ease problems.
These can:
These medicines can be given by injection or through a nasal spray. They are taken for 6 months or more. Side effects are common and depend on the drug that is taken. They can be severe.
Some problems are:
This medicine can decrease bone density. It may affect how long it can be taken. It may need to be taken with a calcium supplement. It may also cause birth defects. Women who may become pregnant should not take this medicine.
Danazol is an androgen, which is a male hormone. It helps ease problems by stopping reproductive hormones from being made. It also stops the menstrual cycle.
It can:
It is taken as a pill for 6 to 9 months. It may be given with oral contraceptives to lower the chance of problems. Most are mild and go away when it is stopped.
Some problems are:
It may cause birth defects. Women who may become pregnant should not take this medicine.
Progestin is a hormone that is released by the ovary during the menstrual cycle. It stops ovulation and the menstrual cycle when it is taken as a medicine. It can help manage mild-to-moderate symptoms. It can also be given as long-term therapy. They are a good choice for women who do not want to become pregnant.
It can:
They are taken in pill form, by injection, or through an intrauterine device. Injections are typically given once every 3 months. Pills can be given alone or as an estrogen/progestin-combined oral contraceptive. The pill should be taken once per day at about the same time. It should be taken before going to sleep if nausea is a problem.
Some problems are:
Common names are:
NSAIDs are pain relievers. They work best when taken on a schedule. The dose depends on the amount of pain. They are available in higher doses by prescription to treat severe pain. They should be taken with food and a full glass of water.
NSAIDs can increase bleeding. People having surgery or a biopsy should talk to their doctors before taking this medicine. They should be used with care in people who have a stomach ulcer, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or those who are taking blood thinners.
Brown R, Byrne D, et al. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline NG73. Endometriosis: diagnosis and management. National Guideline Alliance (UK). NICE 2017 Sep.
Endometriosis. ACOG website. Available at: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Endometriosis. Updated January 2019. Accessed November 12, 2019.
Endometriosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/endometriosis. Updated August 30, 2019. Accessed November 12, 2019.
Endometriosis. Office on Women's Health website. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis. Updated April 1, 2019. Accessed November 12, 2019.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG