A comparison of the skeletal effects of goserelin and danazol in premenopausal women with endometriosis

Abstract

The skeletal effects of two therapies for endometriosis that produce hypo-oestrogenism in 23 premenopausal women have been studied. Eleven women received goserelin 3.6 mg monthly by subcutaneous implant and 12 women received danazol 600 mg daily, orally, both for 6 months. Goserelin causes a small decline in spinal bone density, but a greater loss of density in the proximal femur. Preliminary results show no evidence that bone loss is reversible after stopping therapy. Danazol treatment is not associated with loss of bone. Prolonged or repeated courses of treatment with goserelin alone could lead to a clinically significant adverse effect on the skeleton.