Postoperative GnRHa therapy for endometriosis

  The first dose is usually administered on the first day of the menstrual cycle and every 4 weeks thereafter. The usual course of treatment is 3-6 cycles, and may be increased or decreased at the discretion of the physician depending on the needs of the condition.  During the first month, most people may experience irregular vaginal bleeding. Menorrhagia usually begins in the second month.  Possible side effects during dosing usually begin after the second injection and commonly manifest as follows: afternoon hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, depression, irritability, fatigue, headache, changes in skin structure, and poor sleep. Feedback should be given to the attending physician in a timely manner. Adjunctive medication can be used to adjust the treatment, either herbal or western medicine.  Calcium tablets should be added for more than 2 months, aerobic exercise should be increased, and diet and rest should be paid attention to.  After stopping the treatment, the ovarian function is gradually restored. For example, in a 3-month course of treatment, ovulation occurs on average 58 days after the last dose, and the first menstruation occurs on average 70-80 days later. If menstruation does not return as scheduled, pregnancy should be excluded first. If there is still no menstruation 4 months after stopping the drug, it is recommended to consult a doctor.  Reverse add-on therapy: Excessively low estrogen levels can cause rapid onset of symptoms similar to perimenopause, such as hot flashes, irritability, vaginal dryness, and poor sleep, etc. Longer courses of use may even affect bone metabolism and increase bone loss. Therefore, some scholars have proposed the theory and strategy of “reverse addition”, in which small doses of estrogen can be supplemented during GnRHa use without affecting the efficacy of GnRHa and improving symptoms. However, after all, reverse addition has the effect of partially offsetting the efficacy of GnRHa, so it is better not to use it for a short course of treatment or for mild symptoms.  Combination modulation: It refers to the combination of GnRHa and phytonomic agents, which neither changes the low estrogen status nor relieves the symptoms of low estrogen. The representative drug is Black Asclepias Extract (trade name: Livermin). Since it works slowly, usually after two to four weeks of continuous use, it is recommended to start using it from the first injection instead of using it when you have symptoms. Another disadvantage of Livermin is that it is a self-paying drug and expensive, costing about 20 yuan per day, so you should use it according to your ability. At present, our hospital does not have it.