Effect of norethindrone acetate in the treatment of symptomatic endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of norethindrone acetate (NA) treatment in 52 women with dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, noncyclic pelvic pain who had a diagnosis of endometriosis by laparoscopy.

RESULTS

Dysmenorrhea and noncyclic pelvic pain were relieved in 48/52 (92.3%) and 25/28 (89.2%) of patients, respectively. Overall pain relief was obtained in 49/52 (94.2%) of patients. Breakthrough bleeding, of variable severity, was the most common side effect experienced by 30 patients (57.6%); however, only 4 patients (7.7%) dropped out for this side effect. One other patient dropped out for severe breast tenderness, and three for noncyclic pelvic pain. In general, treatment was successful in 44/52 (84.5%) of patients with the above symptoms.

CONCLUSION

NA seems to be a cost-effective alternative with relatively mild side effects in the treatment of symptomatic endometriosis.