[Behavior of parameters of liver metabolism in intermediate-term use of the gestagen dienogest in the treatment of endometriosis].

The effects of the progestational compound dienogest (17 alpha-cyanomethyl-17 beta-hydroxy-estra-4,9-dien-3-one) on liver metabolism have been studied in 101 otherwise healthy women with endoscopically proven endometriosis. The women aged 17 to 45 years were treated with 2 mg dienogest in tablet form daily for 24 weeks. Aspartate amino transferase (ASAT), alanine amino transferase (ALAT), gamma glutamate transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total bilirubin (BILI) were determined in serum before and after 1, 3 and 6 months use of the progestin. During the therapy period no deviations from the normal ranges were found. There was a slight significant decrease of ASAT and ALAT and a slight significant increase of LDH and BILI (p less than 0.05) remaining within the normal laboratory values. Since no undesirable metabolic side-effects have so far been observed with dienogest, it may be considered an effective new alternative treatment for endometriosis.