The role of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of endometriosis: an update.
Imbroane. Marisa M; Bussies. Parker P; Schachter. Cara C; Frankel. Lexi L; Bosch. Allison A; Santarosa. Julia J; Falcone. Tommaso T; Richards. Elliott G EG
Key Findings
- First‑line treatments (NSAIDs, combined oral contraceptives, progestins like dienogest) remain the backbone of therapy.
- GnRH agonists/antagonists are effective for refractory cases but require add‑back estrogen/progestin to limit hypoestrogenic side effects.
- Emerging non‑hormonal therapies (anti‑inflammatory, antifibrotic, angiogenesis‑modulating, microbiome‑targeting) are under investigation.
Practical Outcomes
- For biohackers interested in hormonal modulation, the review supports using standard birth‑control or progestin regimens first, and only moving to GnRH blockers with careful add‑back therapy to avoid bone loss and other estrogen‑deficiency issues. It also highlights that future non‑hormonal options may become available, but current practice should stick to the proven, patient‑tailored protocols.
Summary
The review updates the drug options for treating endometriosis, a painful, inflammatory condition that affects about 10% of people who can get pregnant. It confirms that common first‑line medicines like NSAIDs, birth‑control pills, and progestins still work best, while stronger hormonal blockers (GnRH agonists/antagonists) and aromatase inhibitors are used when symptoms persist. New strategies such as adding low‑dose estrogen (add‑back therapy) to reduce side effects, and experimental non‑hormonal approaches, are also discussed.
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting ~10% of reproductive-age individuals and contributing significantly to infertility, pain, and reduced quality of life. Since our 2020 review, new pharmacologic strategies, updated guidelines, and advances in clinical trial evidence have reshaped the therapeutic landscape. Effective, patient-centered management is essential to lessen the burden of disease. This review synthesizes current evidence-based pharmacotherapy for endometriosis, integrating 2022 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology recommendations and including a literature review of PubMed, with an emphasis on articles published after 2020. First-line therapies, including NSAIDs, combined oral contraceptives, and progestins such as dienogest, remain central, while GnRH agonists/antagonists and aromatase inhibitors are considered in refractory cases. Recent data highlight add-back therapy to reduce hypoestrogenic side effects. We also review postoperative regimens, fertility-preserving strategies, management in post-hysterectomy and postmenopausal populations, and therapies under investigation - including anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, angiogenesis-modulating, and microbiome-targeting approaches. Hormonal suppression remains the cornerstone of treatment, but novel nonhormonal strategies and advances in precision medicine hold promise for more durable and individualized care. Ongoing clinical trials, artificial intelligence - assisted diagnostics, and fertility-focused pharmacotherapies represent exciting frontiers. Multimodal, patient-tailored approaches will be key to optimizing long-term outcomes in endometriosis management.
Study Information
pubmed
2025
2025-12-07T00:00:00.000Z
10.1080/14656566.2025.2597272
172