The role of add-back therapy in the United States
Olive, D.L.
Drugs of Today 41(Suppl): 23-26
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1699-3993 PMID: 16200222 Document Number: 588864
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are effective in reducing pelvic pain due to endometriosis, but they are associated with a number of hypoestrogenic side effects, such as vasomotor symptoms and loss of bone mineral density. Add-back therapy with a progestin or a progestin plus low-dose estrogen helps to reduce the side effects associated with GnRH agonist administration without compromising efficacy. Add-back therapy should be initiated at the same time as the treatment with a GnRH agonist and longer-term therapy beyond 6 months can be considered in patients meeting the appropriate criteria. (c) 2005 Prous Science. All rights reserved.