Which hormone therapy is primarily utilized to manage pain associated with endometriosis?

• A. Estrogen therapy
• B. GnRH agonists (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists)
• C. Progesterone therapy
• D. Oral contraceptives

Answer: (B)

GnRH agonists are primarily utilized to manage pain associated with endometriosis due to their mechanism of action, which involves the suppression of ovarian hormone production. By inhibiting the release of gonadotropins (LH and FSH), these agonists reduce estrogen levels in the body. Lower estrogen levels help to alleviate the growth and activity of endometrial tissue, which is responsible for the pain and discomfort experienced by individuals with endometriosis.

This approach can lead to a decrease in the size of endometrial lesions and a reduction in associated pelvic pain. Furthermore, the decrease in estrogen also helps to minimize the cyclical pain experienced during menstruation, as endometriosis is often exacerbated by the hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle.

While other forms of hormone therapy, such as oral contraceptives, progesterone therapy, and estrogen therapy, may also be used to manage endometriosis, they do not provide the same level of suppression of ovarian activity that GnRH agonists do. These other options may not be as effective in addressing the pain directly associated with the condition, and their mechanisms can involve maintaining certain hormone levels, which might not adequately address the symptoms as effectively as GnRH agonists.