Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica. Supplement
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Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand Suppl · Jan 1997
Treatment of uterine fibroids with GnRH-analogues prior to hysterectomy.
GnRH-analogues have a longer half-life and stronger receptor affinity than native GnRH. They block the secretion of gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary, producing a hypoestrogenic state. Preoperative treatment with GnRH-agonists for 3 months prior to hysterectomy reduces the size of uterine fibroids by about 50%. ⋯ Other results are: a smaller peroperative blood loss, a shorter hospitalization time, and a tendency to easier operations. Side effects are predominantly hypoestrogenic. Treatment with GnRH-agonists before hysterectomy is recommended in cases of large fibroids, when technical problems may be anticipated, when preoperative anemia is present, or when it is desirable to postpone surgery.