Future Directions in Endometriosis Research and Therapeutics

Background: Endometriosis is a disease common among women of reproductive age characterized by pain, anxiety and infertility. Defined as the growth of endometrial tissue in ectopic locations, endometriosis remains an enigmatic disease for which current treatments are less than ideal. Much of these shortcomings to current therapy stem from our incomplete understanding on the pathogenesis of the disease. It is generally accepted that endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease and, as such, the majority of treatment approaches aim at reducing estrogen action and/or production. Unfortunately, this approach is not effective in all women with endometriosis and in those women where success is achieved with their use, there is potential for health-comprising side effects.