Hormone therapies may be used as a treatment in mild endometriosis or as an added or combined therapy prior to, or after, surgery, especially in moderate to severe forms.  The aim of hormonal therapies is to suppress the growth of endometrial cells, the endometriotic implants, and can lead to a reduction in pain symptoms. These therapies usually aim to stop any bleeding, including the period.

Hormone therapies may produce side effects, which may vary in number and severity. Each woman is different and may react differently to the therapy taken. It is important that you weigh up both the positive and the negative potential side effects and discuss them with your health practitioner before you begin treatment.

These therapies are not suitable whilst trying to get pregnant. 

Hormone therapies include:

• The Pill
• Progestins or progesterone-like hormones (daily or long-acting such as the levonorgestrel IUD)
• Danazol
• Gestrinone 
• GnRH (Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone) agonists

Combined treatment

Combined treatment involves a course of hormonal treatment before or after surgery to enhance the effects of surgery.

 Content Updated August 31, 2009