Jacques Donnez1,2. 1. Société de Recherche pour l'Infertilité (SRI), 1150 Brussels, Belgium. 2. Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The objective of this review is to determine the evidence or, conversely, the absence of evidence regarding the effectiveness of progestogens in treating premenopausal women with uterine fibroids. In particular, the goal is to address recurring questions as to whether they are effective or not for managing symptoms commonly attributed to fibroids. METHODS: A review of the most relevant papers (n = 63) on the efficacy of progesterone and progestogens as medical therapy for uterine fibroids. RESULTS: Having reviewed the most significant papers on the relationship between uterine fibroids and progesterone/progestogens, it is clear that there is biochemical, histological and clinical evidence that progesterone and progestogens play a critical role in the pathogenesis of myomas. CONCLUSION: Since progesterone is already implicated in the pathogenesis of this entity, using progestogens to manage fibroids is like constantly adding fuel to the fire, rendering this treatment ineffective.
BACKGROUND: The objective of this review is to determine the evidence or, conversely, the absence of evidence regarding the effectiveness of progestogens in treating premenopausal women with uterine fibroids. In particular, the goal is to address recurring questions as to whether they are effective or not for managing symptoms commonly attributed to fibroids. METHODS: A review of the most relevant papers (n = 63) on the efficacy of progesterone and progestogens as medical therapy for uterine fibroids. RESULTS: Having reviewed the most significant papers on the relationship between uterine fibroids and progesterone/progestogens, it is clear that there is biochemical, histological and clinical evidence that progesterone and progestogens play a critical role in the pathogenesis of myomas. CONCLUSION: Since progesterone is already implicated in the pathogenesis of this entity, using progestogens to manage fibroids is like constantly adding fuel to the fire, rendering this treatment ineffective.
Authors: Jacques Donnez; Robert Hudecek; Olivier Donnez; Dace Matule; Hans-Joachim Arhendt; Janos Zatik; Zaneta Kasilovskiene; Mihai Cristian Dumitrascu; Hervé Fernandez; David H Barlow; Philippe Bouchard; Bart C J M Fauser; Elke Bestel; Paul Terrill; Ian Osterloh; Ernest Loumaye Journal: Fertil Steril Date: 2014-12-24 Impact factor: 7.329