Due to the side effects, however, about 5 to 10 percent of the women stop taking Danazol. Table 17-2 illustrates the astounding improvement this drug offers. Potential side effects are profiled in table 17-3. LH and FSH stimulate ovarian production of estrogen, the major stimulus for growth of endometriosis. The drug creates the pseudomenopausal state desirable for reducing the size and number of endometriotic lesions.
Side effects are most often due to the lowered estrogen levels.
Rarely, complications such as short term memory loss, muscle, bone and joint pains and decreased bone calcium. Soreness at the injection site may be seen with Lupron and Zoladex, while nasal stuffiness and burning have been reported with the use of Synarel. These medications are approved for six months of use, and many endometriosis sufferers report six months of blissful relief. Unfortunately, not all women respond and GnRH agonists are definitely not a cure for endometriosis. They merely suppress endometriosis during the course of therapy.