Does GnRH analogue therapy treat endometriosis?

GnRH analogues first act on the brain–ovary hormone pathway and then reduce ovarian oestrogen production. With less hormonal stimulation, endometriosis tissue may become less active, easing pain and sometimes heavy periods.

The medicine controls symptoms while it is active; it is not a surgical removal of endometriosis. Symptoms may return after the course ends, and treatment decisions depend on pain, fertility goals, prior therapy, and the location of disease.

Your clinician may discuss injections or another prescribed form, expected duration, add-back hormones, contraception, and follow-up. Add-back treatment can reduce low-oestrogen effects while preserving symptom control for some patients.

Tell the clinician about migraine, mood symptoms, bone problems, unexplained bleeding, pregnancy plans, and medicines you take. Keep a record of pain, bleeding, sleep, and side effects so the plan can be adjusted.

Get urgent help for sudden severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, fever, or symptoms during a possible pregnancy. Contact your treatment team promptly for severe mood change, troublesome side effects, or pain that is rapidly worsening.

What is the goal of this course? How will we monitor bone health and symptom response? Is add-back therapy suitable for me? What are the next options if pain returns after treatment?