Medical treatment for adenomyosis: long term use of progestins

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: = 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.