When is GnRH analogue therapy recommended for endometriosis?

GnRH analogues reduce the hormonal stimulation that supports endometriosis activity. This can lessen pelvic pain and period-related symptoms for some people, but treatment choices depend on your symptoms, examination, previous care, bone health, and pregnancy plans.

The treatment can cause a temporary low-oestrogen state. Possible effects include hot flushes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and changes to bleeding. Your clinician may discuss add-back hormones or another approach to reduce unwanted effects.

Before starting, share your medicines, migraine history, mood history, bone conditions, and whether you are trying to conceive. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and attend any monitoring appointments your specialist recommends.

Keep a record of pain, bleeding, sleep, and mood changes. This helps your clinician judge whether the treatment is helping and whether the plan should be adjusted.

Contact your specialist if pain worsens, bleeding is heavy or persistent, or you develop severe mood changes. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding with weakness, or a possible pregnancy with pain.

Ask why a GnRH analogue is being considered, how long the planned course may last, whether add-back treatment is suitable, and how bone health and fertility plans affect your options.