How effective is GnRH analogue therapy for endometriosis?

GnRH analogues alter the signals between the brain and ovaries, reducing ovarian oestrogen production for a limited treatment period. With less hormonal stimulation, endometriosis-related inflammation and pain may ease. Periods may become lighter or stop while treatment is active, although individual responses differ.

The treatment controls symptoms rather than removing endometriosis lesions. Lower oestrogen can cause hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and changes in bone health. Add-back hormone treatment may be offered to reduce some effects while preserving symptom control, depending on your situation.

Discuss the treatment goal, expected duration, contraception, side effects, and what happens after the course. Tell your clinician about migraine, mood symptoms, bone conditions, unexplained bleeding, or medicines you take. Keep a simple record of pain, bleeding, sleep, and side effects so the response can be reviewed.

GnRH analogue therapy is not a fertility treatment and is generally planned around pregnancy goals. If pain continues, returns, or affects bowel, bladder, sex, work, or sleep, ask about other medical or surgical options rather than extending treatment without review.

Contact your care team promptly for heavy or unexpected bleeding, severe mood change, troublesome headaches, new visual symptoms, or side effects that interfere with daily life. Seek urgent help for sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, chest pain, or severe breathlessness, which need assessment rather than attribution to endometriosis.

What symptom is this treatment targeting? How long is the planned course? Would add-back therapy suit me? How will bone health and mood be monitored? What is the plan if pain returns after treatment?