Which medication is used to treat endometriosis?

Which medication is used to treat endometriosis?

• A. Leuprolide
• B. Misoprostol
• C. Mifepristone
• D. Methotrexate

Answer: (A)

Endometriosis is driven by estrogen, so reducing estrogen activity or production can lessen the growth and symptoms of ectopic endometrial tissue. Leuprolide is a GnRH agonist that, when given continuously, suppresses pituitary GnRH receptors, lowering LH and FSH and thus ovarian estrogen production. With less estrogen, the stimulation of endometriotic implants decreases, leading to pain relief and improved symptoms. The other drugs listed have different primary uses: misoprostol is used for inducing abortion or cervical ripening, mifepristone is an anti-progestin used in medical abortion, and methotrexate is used for ectopic pregnancy and certain cancers, not for suppressing ovarian estrogen in endometriosis. So leuprolide best fits the treatment goal for endometriosis.

Endometriosis is driven by estrogen, so reducing estrogen activity or production can lessen the growth and symptoms of ectopic endometrial tissue. Leuprolide is a GnRH agonist that, when given continuously, suppresses pituitary GnRH receptors, lowering LH and FSH and thus ovarian estrogen production. With less estrogen, the stimulation of endometriotic implants decreases, leading to pain relief and improved symptoms. The other drugs listed have different primary uses: misoprostol is used for inducing abortion or cervical ripening, mifepristone is an anti-progestin used in medical abortion, and methotrexate is used for ectopic pregnancy and certain cancers, not for suppressing ovarian estrogen in endometriosis. So leuprolide best fits the treatment goal for endometriosis.