Pharmacological Management and Prevention Strategies for Endometriosis: Current Evidence and Emerging Therapeutic Approaches
Keywords:
endometriosis, pharmacotherapy, GnRH antagonists, progestogens, dysmenorrhea, disease management, pelvic pain, gynecology, hormonal therapyAbstract
Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent gynecological disorder affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide, characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial-like tissue, chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Despite its prevalence, diagnostic delays averaging 7–10 years remain a significant barrier to timely treatment. This narrative review synthesizes current pharmacological strategies for endometriosis management, encompassing combined oral contraceptives, progestogens, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists, aromatase inhibitors, and emerging immunomodulatory agents. A comparative analysis of efficacy, recurrence rates, tolerability, and fertility impact is presented. Evidence indicates that GnRH agonists achieve the highest pain relief (82%), while newer GnRH antagonists such as elagolix offer competitive efficacy with improved tolerability profiles. Preventive strategies incorporating early hormonal intervention in high-risk adolescents are discussed. This review underscores the urgency of personalized, multimodal pharmacotherapy to reduce disease burden, minimize recurrence, and preserve reproductive function in affected women.
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