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Danazol in the Treatment of Endometriosis

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Summary

Endometriosis is described and its aetiology and clinical characteristics discussed. Treatment by both radical and conservative surgery, by pseudopregnancy, by danazol and by combinations of these methods is considered. The mode of action of both pseudopregnancy and danazol therapy, and the place of each in management of individual cases, are discussed. Results in the author’s series of cases treated with danazol are presented and considered alongside others derived from the literature. Relief of symptoms, particularly of pain and dyspareunia, and the suppression of menstruation together with regression of lesions, may usually be achieved within 4 to 6 weeks of starting danazol therapy even using ‘lower’ dosages. In many instances long lasting relief of symptoms for up to 4 to 5 years has been reported and permanent ‘cure’ can be hoped for in up to 60% of cases. Whatever the method of treatment, however, short of radical surgery, eventually some recurrence of symptoms and reactivation of lesions must be expected. Even temporary relief is valuable, in that it may afford time for one or more pregnancies, and may make possible postponement of radical surgery. The nature and incidence of side effects with danazol are contrasted with those reported with other types of hormone therapy. Side effects are to a large extent dosage-related and the effect of low dose regimes on the occurrence of side effects is pointed out.

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  1. Churchfield Cottage, Whitbourne, Worchester, WR6 5RT, England

    J. A. Chalmers

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Chalmers, J.A. Danazol in the Treatment of Endometriosis. Drugs 19, 331–341 (1980). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-198019050-00002

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