Medical treatment for adenomyosis: long term use of progestins

Abstract

Background: Adenomyosis is a uterine disorder causing menstruation-related symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and dyspareunia. A long-term management of the disease is required. Hormonal drugs are the most used, including a variety of progestins, even though few data are available on their long-term use in adenomyosis.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of different progestins, including progestin-only pills (POP), for the management of adenomyosis-related symptoms.

Methods: A total of 140 patients (18-45 years) with adenomyosis were treated with progestins for at least three years. The treatment groups included dienogest (2 mg, n = 71), levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (52 mg, n = 25), desogestrel (75 mcg, n = 20), and drospirenone (4 mg, n = 24). Symptoms were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and the Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC) method for bleeding.

Results: Dienogest significantly reduced dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and HMB, with efficacy maintained over three years in most patients. However, after the first year 49% of patients required a switch to other treatments due to side effects or contraception need. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device also effectively managed HMB and pain, with 15% of patients switching treatment due to side effects. Both drospirenone and desogestrel improved HMB and dysmenorrhea, but desogestrel had a higher discontinuation rate due to reduced long-term efficacy. Norethisterone acetate was used as a second-line treatment in cases of intolerance or inadequate response.

Conclusion: Progestins are effective for the long-term management of adenomyosis symptoms. The flexibility in switching between different progestins or routes of administration may help in optimizing outcomes.

Keywords: Adenomyosis; dysmenorrhea; heavy menstrual bleeding; long-term treatment; progestins.