GnRH Agonists in the Management of Endometriosis: The Results of two Randomized Trials

Endometriosis is a perplexing disease of unknown etiology and poorly understood histogenesis. It affects women as well as menstruating females of other primate species and is characterized by ectopic i.e., outside of the uterine cavity, growth of endometrium. The growth and spread of endometriosis are controlled by the cyclic stimulation of ovarian hormones. After cessation of ovarian function e.g., during menopause, when ovarian estradiol and progesterone are no longer secreted, uterine as well as ectopic endometria undergo atrophy and endometriosis resolves.