GnRH agonist therapy before myomectomy or hysterectomy

Abstract

Uterine leiomyomata, also known as fibroids or myomas, are the most common pelvic tumor, found in at least 20% to 25% of women by the age of 35 1 and in more than 50% of all women. 2 Though the majority of myomas (50%‐ 80%) are asymptomatic, they can be the cause of pelvic pressure and pain, excessive menstrual bleeding, spontaneous abortion, and infertility. 3 The standard treatment for symptomatic myomas has been surgical; approximately 40% of abdominal hysterectomies are performed for the treatment of myomas. 4 In those women who wish to preserve fertility, myomectomy is performed. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist therapy before myomectomy and hysterectomy.