GnRH analogs for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids

Abstract

Treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids (UF) is evolving. Historically, treatment options were limited to predominantly invasive surgery; today, conservative and novel oral medical treatments are widely available for use with significant efficacy. This evolution was directly driven by our improved understanding of UF pathophysiology. Specifically, our recognition of the hormone-mediated pathway in UF development and growth laid the framework for using GnRH agonist analogs in treating UF. In this report, we explore the use of GnRH analogs in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding associated with UF in phases. We review historical perspectives, discuss the development and use of aternatives to GnRH analogs, a period we refer to as the "Dark Ages" of GnRH analogs, we then provide an overview of the later years and present-day use of GnRH analogs and discuss opportunities for future directions.