Effect of tibolone vs hormone replacement therapy on climacteric symptoms and psychological distress.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to elucidate the effect of tibolone vs hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on climacteric symptoms and psychological distress. METHODS: All consecutive women with climacteric symptoms were allocated to receive tibolone (2.5 mg) or estradiol valerate (1 mg) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg). RESULTS: The improvement in "feeling dizzy or faint" after tibolone treatment was more prominent than that after HRT (-0.7 ± 0.8 vs -0.0 ± 0.9, p = 0.004). In addition, other climacteric symptoms, including anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and vasomotor symptoms, and sexual function improved after tibolone and HRT, but there were no between-group differences. Psychological distress assessment demonstrated that somatic complaints, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depressive symptoms, hostility, additional symptoms, and the General Symptom Index improved after tibolone treatment and HRT, but there were no between-group differences. Personality traits assessment revealed that neuroticism improved after tibolone treatment. CONCLUSION: Tibolone seems more beneficial than HRT in treating symptoms of dizziness and faintness. Both tibolone and HRT could improve psychological distress.

Tibolone restrains neuroinflammation in mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated and degenerating disease in which myelin sheaths are damaged as a result of chronic progressive inflammation of the central nervous system. Tibolone [(7α,17α)-17-hydroxy-7-methyl-19-norpregn-5(10)-en-20-in-3-one], a synthetic estrogenic compound with tissue-specific actions and used for menopausal hormone therapy, shows neuroprotective and antioxidant properties both in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we analyzed whether tibolone plays a therapeutic role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, a commonly used model of MS. Female C57BL/6 mice were induced with the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein MOG35-55 and received s.c. tibolone (0.08 mg kg-1 ) injection every other day from the day of induction until death on the acute phase of the disease. Reactive gliosis, Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), inflammasome parameters, activated Akt levels and myelin were assessed by a real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analysis. Our findings indicated that, in the EAE spinal cord, tibolone reversed the astrocytic and microglial reaction, and reduced the hyperexpression of TLR4 and HMGB1, as well as NLR family pyrin domain containing 3-caspase 1-interleukin-1ß inflammasome activation. At the same time, tibolone attenuated the Akt/nuclear factor kappa B pathway and limited the white matter demyelination area. Estrogen receptor expression was unaltered with tibolone treatment. Clinically, tibolone improved neurological symptoms without uterine compromise. Overall, our data suggest that tibolone may serve as a promising agent for the attenuation of MS-related inflammation.

Network pharmacology identifies IL6 as an important hub and target of tibolone for drug repurposing in traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by a complex network of signals mediating inflammatory, proliferative and apoptotic processes during its acute and chronic phases. Current therapies mitigate damage and are mainly for palliative care and there are currently no effective therapies for secondary damage. This suggests a need to discover a compound with a greater spectrum of action that can control various pathological aspects of TBI. Here we used a network pharmacology approach to explore the benefits of tibolone, an estrogen and androgen receptor agonist with broader actions in cells, as a possible repurposing drug for TBI therapy. Using different databases we retrieved the targets significantly associated to TBI and tibolone, obtaining 2700 and 652, respectively. The top 10 GO enriched terms were mostly related to cell proliferation, apoptosis and inflammation. Following protein-protein functional analysis, the top connected proteins were related to kinase activity (MAPK1/14/3, AKT1 PIK3R1), apoptosis (TP53, CASP3), growth factors (EGFR), estrogen signalling (ESR1) and inflammation (IL6, TNF), with IL6 as an important signalling hub belonging to the top GO categories. Thus, we identified IL6 as a cellular node which we then validated using molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area (MMGBSA) and docking to explore which tibolone metabolite might interact with this protein. Both 3α and 3ß-OH tibolone seemed to bind better to IL6 at important sites responsible for its binding to IL6R. In conclusion, our study demonstrates key hubs involved in TBI pathology which indicates IL6 as a target molecule of tibolone as drug repurposing for TBI therapy.

The effect of tibolone treatment on lipid profile in women: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Inconsistencies exist with regard to influence of tibolone treatment on the lipid profile. The reasons for these inconsistencies might derive from several factors, i.e., differences in baseline variables, intervention duration, participants' health status or baseline body mass index (BMI). To address these inconsistencies, based on a systematic search in Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Embase for papers published until 21 December 2020, we conducted the current dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the impact of tibolone treatment on the lipid profile. The overall findings were derived from 26 RCTs. Tibolone administration decreased total cholesterol (TC) (weighted mean difference, WMD: -18.55 mg/dL, CI: -25.95 to -11.16, P < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: -9.42 mg/dL, CI: -11.83 to -7.01, P < 0.001) and triglyceride (TG) (WMD: -21.43 mg/dL, CI: -27.15 to -15.70, P < 0.001) levels. A significant reduction in LDL-C occurred when tibolone was prescribed for ≤ 26 weeks (WMD: -7.64 mg/dL, 95% CI: -14.58 to -0.70, P = 0.031) versus > 26 weeks (WMD: -8.84 mg/dL, 95% CI: -29.98, 12.29, P = 0.412). The decrease in TG (WMD: -22.64 mg/dL) and TC (-18.55 mg/dL) concentrations was more pronounced in patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2versus BMI < 25 kg/m2. This systematic review and meta-analysis discovered that tibolone decreases TC, HDL-C and TG levels. LDL-C concentrations are significantly reduced when tibolone administration lasts for ≤ 26 weeks.

Long-Term Medical Therapy after Laparoscopic Excision of Ovarian Endometriomas: Can We Reduce and Predict the Risk of Recurrence?

OBJECTIVES: Up to 32% of women experience anatomic recurrence after conservative surgery for endometriomas, while pain recurs in 10-40% of cases. Long-term postoperative hormonal therapy is recommended to prevent disease recurrence. We evaluated the efficacy of long-term therapy with estroprogestins (EPs) or progestins (Ps) in preventing endometrioma recurrence, as identifiable cysts and subjective symptoms, after laparoscopic excision. DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included 375 women submitted to laparoscopic endometrioma excision. Women were followed up at 6 and 12 months and then yearly after surgery. Based on postoperative medical therapy, women were divided into 4 groups: nonusers, cyclic EP users, continuous EP users, and progestogen users. Materials, Setting, Methods: Anamnestic and anthropometric characteristics were collected as well as clinical and surgical data. Gynecological examination, and transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound scans were performed. Pain (numerical rating score >5) and endometrioma recurrence at ultrasound (ovarian cyst with typical sonographic features ≥10 mm in mean diameter) were recorded at each examination. The reoperation rate in women with recurrence was investigated. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 3.7 years with a maximum of 16.7 years. Most patients used EPs (119 cyclic and 61 continuous users), 95 used P, and 100 were nonusers. In 135 women (36%), endometriotic cyst recurrence was diagnosed, with a mean diameter of 18.7 ± 10.8 mm (range 10-55 mm). The median recurrent cyst-free time was 7.9 years (95% CI 5.8-10.8). Dysmenorrhea was the first symptom to reappear, affecting 162 patients (43.2%). Upon multivariable regression analysis, continuous users had a lower risk of relapse (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.99), in terms of both cysts and symptom recurrence, than patients who received no medications. The reoperation rate was 16.2%. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of this study is its retrospective design. Also, women switching therapies throughout the follow-up period were sorted into one of the study groups based on the longest treatment taken, without considering the discontinuation rates. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term EPs, administered in a continuous regimen and starting immediately after conservative surgery for endometriomas, seem to reduce the disease recurrence risk.

Association of tibolone and dementia risk: a cohort study using Korean claims data.

OBJECTIVE: Few studies have examined whether tibolone (TIB), a type of hormone replacement therapy widely used in Asia and Europe, affects dementia risk in postmenopausal women. Our study aims to investigate the association of TIB and dementia risk in Korean women aged 50-80 years. METHODS: A population-based longitudinal study was conducted using the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims database merged with national health examination data from 2002 to 2015. Among 13,110 participants, exposure to TIB was determined using the standardized defined daily dose (DDD) system from 2003 to 2007. Starting from 2007, participants were followed up for overall dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) until 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of dementia according to TIB use. RESULTS: TIB use was not significantly associated with the risk of total dementia (aHR = 1.040; 95% CI = 0.734-1.472; p = .827), AD (aHR = 0.949; 95% CI = 0.652-1.381; p = .785) and VD (aHR = 1.245; 95% CI = 0.631-2.457; p = .528). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that TIB use does not have a significant association with dementia risk. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to elucidate the role of exogenous hormones in the development of dementia.

A prospective, single-centre, single-arm, open label study of the long term use of a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (Triptorelin SR, 11.25 mg) in combination with Tibolone add-back therapy in the management of chronic cyclical pelvic pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic cyclic pelvic pain (CCPP) affects women's quality of life and pituitary downregulation is often used for symptomatic relief. However, prolonged suppression of ovarian function is associated with menopausal side effects and can lead to osteoporosis. Currently, the use of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) for treatment of CCPP is usually restricted to 6-9 months, limiting their efficacy. There is limited information regarding safety and efficacy with longer-term use. The aim of this study is to examine the safety and efficacy of long-term (24 months) pituitary down-regulation with the GnRHa (Triptorelin SR) with add-back therapy (ABT) using Tibolone for symptom relief in women with CCPP. METHODS: A single-arm, prospective clinical trial at a Tertiary University Teaching Hospital of 27 patients receiving Triptorelin SR (11.25 mg) and Tibolone (2.5 mg). Outcomes measures were the safety of treatment assessed by clinical examination, haematological markers, liver and renal function tests and bone mineral density (BMD) at 12, 18 and 24 months as well as at 6 months post-treatment. Pain and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) assessed using the endometriosis health profile (EHP-30) and chronic pain grade (CPG) questionnaires. RESULTS: There was no evidence for any significant harmful effects on any of the measured haematological, renal or liver function tests. Although results regarding the effect on BMD are not conclusive there is an increased risk of development of osteopaenia after 12 months of treatment. Pain and HRQoL assessments showed significant improvement during medication, but with deterioration after treatment cessation. CONCLUSION: Long- term Triptorelin plus Tibolone add-back therapy in women suffering from CCPP does not appear to be associated with significant serious adverse events apart from the possibility of deterioration in the BMD that needs to be monitored. This mode of therapy appears to be effective in pain relief and in improving quality of life over a 24-month period. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trials database NCT00735852.

Osteoporosis management in Australian general practice: an analysis of current osteoporosis treatment patterns and gaps in practice.

BACKGROUND: Among Australians aged 50 and over, an estimated 1 in 4 men and 2 in 5 women will experience a minimal trauma fracture during their remaining lifetime. Effective fracture prevention is hindered by substantial undertreatment, even of patients who clearly warrant pharmacological therapy. Poor adherence to osteoporosis treatment is also a leading cause of repeat fractures and hospitalisation. The aim of this study was to identify current osteoporosis treatment patterns and gaps in practice in Australia, using general practice data, and to explore general practitioners' (GPs') attitudes to osteoporosis treatment and their views on patient factors affecting osteoporosis management. METHODS: The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 was a longitudinal retrospective cohort study which utilised data from MedicineInsight - a national general practice data program that extracts longitudinal, de-identified patient data from clinical information systems (CISs) of participating general practices. Phase 2 included semi-structured, in-depth telephone interviews with a sample of MedicineInsight practice GPs. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis method informed by the theory of planned behaviour. RESULTS: A diagnosis of osteoporosis was recorded in 12.4% of patients over the age of 50 years seen in general practice. Of those diagnosed with osteoporosis, almost a quarter were not prescribed osteoporosis medicines. From 2012 to 17, there was a progressive increase in the number of denosumab prescriptions, while prescriptions for bisphosphonates and other osteoporosis medicines decreased. More than 80% of patients who ceased denosumab treatment had no subsequent bisphosphonate prescription recorded. Interviews with GPs revealed beliefs and attitudes that may have influenced their intentions towards prescribing and osteoporosis management. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that within the Australian general practice setting, osteoporosis is underdiagnosed and undertreated. In addition, it appears that most patients who ceased denosumab treatment had no record of subsequent antiresorptive therapy, which would place them at risk of further fractures. The study supports the need for the development of clinical education programs addressing GP knowledge gaps and attitudes, and the implementation of specific interventions such as good reminder/recall systems to avoid delays in reviewing and treating patients with osteoporosis.

Tibolone Effects on Human Glioblastoma Cell Lines.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian steroid hormones are involved in modulating the growth of glioblastomas (the most common, aggressive, and lethal brain tumor) through the interaction with their intracellular receptors. Activation of sex hormone receptors is involved in glioblastomas progression. Tibolone (TIB) is a selective tissue estrogenic activity regulator widely prescribed to treat menopausal symptoms and to prevent bone lost. The effects of TIB on the growth of glioblastoma are unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the effects of TIB on cell number, migration, and invasion of two derived human glioblastoma cell lines (U251 MG and U87), as well as the role of this steroid in estrogen and progesterone receptors activity and content. METHODS: U251-MG and U87 human glioblastoma cell lines were grown with different doses of TIB. The number of cells was determined and migration and invasion tests were carried out. Protein expression was performed by Western blot. RESULTS: We observed that TIB (10 nM) increased the number of cells by inducing proliferation with no effects on cell migration or invasion. The increase in cell proliferation induced by TIB was blocked by estrogen (ERs) or progesterone receptor (PRs) antagonists, ICI 182, 780 and RU 486, suggesting that these receptors mediate proliferating actions of TIB; TIB also modified the content of ERs and PRs by increasing ER-α, ER-ß, and PR-B, while decreased PR-A. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that TIB increases cell number and proliferation of human glioblastoma cells through the regulation of ERs and PRs actions and content.

Tibolon - the only one member of STEARs group.

Tibolon is the only therapeutic approach to climacteric symptoms, prevention of osteoporosis and urogenital atrophy with the same efficacy as hormone replacement therapy. Tibolon has more positive effects on sexuality and mood changes in menopausal women. It decreases the mammographic density. Its safety for breast cancer is the same as for only estrogen therapy and better than for estrogen-gestagen therapy. Tibolon is the first choice for postmenopausal women with mood and sexuality disorders, women with mastodynia and high mammographic density.

Pharmacological Management of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society* Clinical Practice Guideline.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to formulate clinical practice guidelines for the pharmacological management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from clinical trials and insights from clinical experience with pharmacologic therapies for osteoporosis were critically evaluated in formulating this guideline for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Patient preferences, data on adherence and persistence, and risks and benefits from the patient and provider perspectives were also considered in writing committee deliberations. A consensus by the Writing Committee members was achieved for four management principles: (i) The risk of future fractures in postmenopausal women should be determined using country-specific assessment tools to guide decision-making. (ii) Patient preferences should be incorporated into treatment planning. (iii) Nutritional and lifestyle interventions and fall prevention should accompany all pharmacologic regimens to reduce fracture risk. (iv) Multiple pharmacologic therapies are capable of reducing fracture rates in postmenopausal women at risk with acceptable risk-benefit and safety profiles.

Efficacy of Pharmacological Therapies for the Prevention of Fractures in Postmenopausal Women: A Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis and osteopenia are associated with increased fracture incidence in postmenopausal women. We aimed to determine the comparative effectiveness of various available pharmacological therapies. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus for randomized controlled trials that enrolled postmenopausal women with primary osteoporosis and evaluated the risk of hip, vertebral, or nonvertebral fractures. A network meta-analysis was conducted using the multivariate random effects method. RESULTS: We included 107 trials (193,987 postmenopausal women; mean age, 66 years; 55% white; median follow-up, 28 months). A significant reduction in hip fractures was observed with romosozumab, alendronate, zoledronate, risedronate, denosumab, estrogen with progesterone, and calcium in combination with vitamin D. A significant reduction in nonvertebral fractures was observed with abaloparatide, romosozumab, denosumab, teriparatide, alendronate, risedronate, zoledronate, lasofoxifene, tibolone, estrogen with progesterone, and vitamin D. A significant reduction in vertebral fractures was observed with abaloparatide, teriparatide, parathyroid hormone 1-84, romosozumab, strontium ranelate, denosumab, zoledronate, risedronate, alendronate, ibandronate, raloxifene, bazedoxifene, lasofoxifene, estrogen with progesterone, tibolone, and calcitonin. Teriparatide, abaloparatide, denosumab, and romosozumab were associated with the highest relative risk reductions, whereas ibandronate and selective estrogen receptor modulators had lower efficacy. The evidence for the treatment of fractures with vitamin D and calcium remains limited despite numerous large trials. CONCLUSIONS: This network meta-analysis provides comparative effective estimates for the various available treatments to reduce the risk of fragility fractures in postmenopausal women.

Sangrado y terapia hormonal en la menopausia (THM) / Bleeding during menopause hormone therapy (MHT)

La definición de sangrado ginecológico anormal durante terapia hormonal de la menopausia es aquel sangrado no programado durante el uso de la terapia. Este artículo es un pauteo que describe: 1) cuándo diagnosticar unsangrado anormal, ya que difiere según el tipo de esquema hormonal utilizado; 2) eldiagnóstico diferencial del origen del sangrado anormal; 3) los métodos de evaluación para diagnosticar el origen del sangrado. Se destacan los aspectos principales para el diagnóstico diferencial entre patología orgánica versus disrupción endometrial debida al tratamiento hormonal. Además, se describen los ajustes posibles para resolver el sangrado cuando éste se debe a disrupción del endometrio.

Abnormal bleeding related to menopausal hormone therapy is defined as unscheduled bleeding during the use of the therapy. This article outlines when to diagnose an abnormal bleeding -as this differs according to the type of hormonal scheme used-, the differential diagnosis of the origin of abnormal bleeding, and the methods of evaluation to assess the origin of the bleeding. The main aspects are highlighted on the differentiation of organic pathology versus disruption of the endometrium due to treatment. Also, treatment adjustments to resolve bleeding when it is due to disruption of the endometrium are outlined.

Current and emerging treatment options for endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacotherapy has a pivotal role in the management of endometriosis with long-term treatments balancing clinical efficacy (control of pain symptoms and prevention of recurrence of the disease after surgery) with an acceptable safety profile. Treatment choice is based on several factors including age and patient preference, reproductive plans, intensity of pain, severity of disease and incidence of adverse effects. AREAS COVERED: The aim of this review is to provide the reader with a complete overview of drugs that are currently available or are under investigation for the treatment of endometriosis highlighting on-going clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION: Almost all of the available treatment options for endometriosis suppress ovarian function and are not curative. Combined oral contraceptives and progestins are commonly administered to these patients in order to ameliorate pain symptoms. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-agonists are prescribed when first-line therapies are ineffective, not tolerated or contraindicated. Aromatase inhibitors should be reserved only for women who are refractory to other treatments. Amongst the drugs under development, gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists have shown the most promising results. Presently, are a number of potential therapies currently in pre-clinical or early clinical studies which may alter treatment strategies in the future although further studies are necessary.

Tibolone improves depression in women through the menopause transition: A double-blind randomized controlled trial of adjunctive tibolone.

BACKGROUND: Many women with no past psychiatric history experience severe mood symptoms for the first time in their life during the menopausal transition, with debilitating long-term consequences. Women with a history of depression can experience a relapse or worsening of symptoms during the menopause transition. Traditional antidepressants, SSRIs or SNRIs, are commonly prescribed as the first line response. However, such treatment has shown only small improvements with side effects. Hormone therapies directly targeting the perimenopausal fluctuations in reproductive hormonal systems such as tibolone, have significant potential to treat perimenopausal depression. Our study investigated the use of adjunctive tibolone, selective tissue estrogenic activity regulator, to treat de-novo or relapsing depression occurring during the menopause transition period. METHODS: Women who were going through the menopause transition with depressive symptoms were invited to participate in a double-blind, 12 week randomized control trial with two arms: tibolone (2.5 mg oral/day) or oral placebo (NCT01470092). Forty-four women met inclusion/exclusion criteria; 22 were randomized to tibolone and 22 were randomized to oral placebo. Symptoms were measured with the 'Montgomery- Asberg depression rating scale' (MADRS) as the primary outcome measure. Latent growth curve analysis was used to assess the MADRS scores change over time. RESULTS: Participants in the tibolone group demonstrated a significant improvement in depression scores, as compared to the placebo group, without any significant side effects. LIMITATIONS: This trial only monitored tibolone's effects over 12 weeks. Future research should be conducted over an extended timeframe and explore whether the benefits of tibolone extend to other symptoms of perimenopausal depression. CONCLUSIONS: The use of hormone therapies such as tibolone provide exciting innovations for the treatment of depression during the menopause transition.

The Synthetic Steroid Tibolone Decreases Reactive Gliosis and Neuronal Death in the Cerebral Cortex of Female Mice After a Stab Wound Injury.

Previous studies have shown that estradiol reduces reactive gliosis after a stab wound injury in the cerebral cortex. Since the therapeutic use of estradiol is limited by its peripheral hormonal effects, it is of interest to determine whether synthetic estrogenic compounds with tissue-specific actions regulate reactive gliosis. Tibolone is a synthetic steroid that is widely used for the treatment of climacteric symptoms and/or the prevention of osteoporosis. In this study, we have assessed the effect of tibolone on reactive gliosis in the cerebral cortex after a stab wound brain injury in ovariectomized adult female mice. By 7 days after brain injury, tibolone reduced the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactive astrocytes, the number of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) immunoreactive microglia, and the number of microglial cells with a reactive phenotype in comparison to vehicle-injected animals. These effects on gliosis were associated with a reduction in neuronal loss in the proximity to the wound, suggesting that tibolone exerts beneficial homeostatic actions in the cerebral cortex after an acute brain injury.

Very low dose of flutamide in the treatment of hyperandrogenism.

Hyperandrogenism is a condition affecting 5-10% of adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of very low dose of flutamide in the treatment of hyperandrogenism in adolescence. One hundred and fifty-eight patients, presenting severe acne and/or hirsutism, received 62.5 mg/day of flutamide + ethinylestradiol + gestodene for 18 months. The patients were subjected to assessments of hepatic enzymes levels. Thirty subjects treated with drospirenone + ethinylestradiol represented the control group. After 18 months of treatment, it was obtained a decrease of hirsutism (-39.9%), an almost recovery of acne (98% of patients) with better results of those obtained in control group. Only one case of light hypertransaminasemia was recorded, regressed spontaneously. Very low dose of flutamide was successful and safe and in the treatment of hyperandrogenism in adolescence.

[Medical treatment of endometriosis: Hormonal treatment of pain, impact on evolution and future perspectives]. / Traitement médical de l'endométriose : prise en charge de la douleur et de l'évolution des lésions par traitement hormonal et perspectives thérapeutiques.

CONTEXT: Endometriosis is a chronic painful disease, for which hormone therapy is usually offered as a first line option to women not willing to conceive. OBJECTIVES: To analyse and synthesize the literature, from 2006 onwards, on pain control, and disease evolution in oemn using combined hormonal contraceptives, progestins and GnRH analogs. Data on other current and future treatment perspectives is included as well. SOURCES: Medline (Pubmed), the Cochrane Library, and endometriosis treatment recommendations published by European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), National Institute for health and Care Excellence (NICE), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and Société des Obstétriciens et Gynécologues du Canada (SOGC). STUDY SELECTION: Meta-analysis and clinical trials are included. RESULTS: Study quality is heterogeneous in general. Hormone therapy inconstantly allows pain relief and prevention of endometrioma and rectovaginal wall nodules recurrence. Available molecules and routes of administration as well as risk benefit balance are evaluated. Data on future perspectives are limited to date and do not allow use in routine. CONCLUSION: Hormonal treatment of endometriosis relies on combined hormonal contraceptives (using different routes of administration), progestins and particularly the levonorgestrel-releasing IUS, and GnRH analogs as a last option, in combination with an add-back therapy. Promising alternatives are currently under preclinical and clinical evaluation.

Management of sexuality, intimacy, and menopause symptoms in patients with ovarian cancer.

Issues of sexuality, intimacy, and early menopause significantly impact the quality of life of patients following the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. These are undertreated problems. Successful treatment requires the provider's awareness of the problem, ability to identify it, and willingness to treat it. Unfortunately many providers do not address these issues in the pretreatment or perioperative period. Furthermore, patients do not often alert their providers to their symptoms. While systemic hormone therapy may improve many of the issues, they are not appropriate for all patients given their action on estrogen receptors. However, other nonhormonal treatments exist including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antiepileptics, natural remedies, and pelvic floor physical therapy. In addition psychological care and the involvement of the partner can be helpful in managing the sexual health concerns of these patients. At the time of diagnosis or at initial consultation, women should be informed of the potential physiologic, hormonal, and psychosocial effects of ovarian cancer on sexuality and that there is a multimodal approach to dealing with symptoms.