[Gestrinone in pelvic endometriosis. A one-year evaluation]

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent condition affecting women of reproductive age.
• Current treatments for endometriosis have limitations, necessitating exploration of alternative therapeutic agents.
• Gestrinone, a synthetic steroid, has shown potential in managing endometriosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of gestrinone in treating endometriosis.
• To assess the long-term side effects associated with gestrinone treatment.
• To determine the impact of gestrinone on pregnancy rates and symptom recurrence.

Main Methods:

• A prospective clinical trial involving thirty women with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis.
• Participants received 2.5 mg of gestrinone twice weekly for six months.
• Laparoscopy was performed before and after treatment to assess disease stage and clinical response.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in median total endometriosis scores and symptom severity were observed post-treatment.
• Four pregnancies occurred during the study period.
• Common side effects included weight gain, voice changes, and hirsutism, which resolved within one year.

Conclusions:

• Gestrinone demonstrates significant efficacy in treating pelvic endometriosis, improving disease stage and alleviating symptoms.
• The observed side effects are generally transient and reversible.
• A careful risk-benefit assessment, considering metabolic side effects and cost, is recommended for gestrinone therapy.