[Size reduction of uterine myomas with monthly administered leuprolide acetate]

Six patients with symptomatic leiomyomata uteri and in whom surgical treatment was indicated received, during 3 months, intramuscular leuprolide acetate, 3,75 mg monthly, in order to 1) achieve a reduction of myomata size and 2) recover an anemic patient before surgery. In every patient, amenorrhea was induced since the second month of treatment. A significant decrease of myomas sizes was achieved. The reduction of the volume of the largest myoma in each case, varied between 51% and 77% (x = 60% +/- ES 4,3) LH and estradiol plasma levels diminished significantly and FSH did not changed in response to treatment. Side effects were well tolerated. Hot flashes were present in all patients, headaches in 2 and loss of strength in 2. Surgery was accomplished after 3 months of treatment. Myomectomy was performed in 5 cases and total hysterectomy in 1. Uterine shrinkage and the period of amenorrhea induced by Lupron-depot facilitated hysterectomy and myomectomy techniques and the recovery of one patient with a severe anemia.