Norethindrone acetate versus extended-cycle oral contraceptive (Seasonique®) in the treatment of endometriosis symptoms: A prospective open-label comparative study. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scala, C.; Leone Roberti Maggiore, U.; Barra, F.; Venturini, P.L.; Ferrero, S.
• Is Part Of: European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology. Volume 222(2018)
• Page Start: 89
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Endometriosis -- Hormonal contraception -- Extended-cycle oral contraception; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Obstétrique -- Périodiques; Gynécologie -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; Verloskunde; Gynaecologie; Voortplanting (biologie); Gynecology; Obstetrics; Reproduction; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.01.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-2115

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: This patient preference prospective study was designed to compare patients' satisfaction in women with endometriosis treated either by an extended-cycle oral contraception (OC) or by norethindrone acetate (NETA). Methods: This patient preference prospective study included women of reproductive age with endometriosis. Patients were submitted to one of the following 12 months' treatments: Group A, continuous oral treatment with NETA (2.5 mg/day) and Group B, a 91-day extended-cycle OC (LNG/EE 150/30 mcg for 84 days and EE 10 mcg for 7 days). Patient satisfaction was the primary endpoint. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of satisfied patients at 12-month follow up between the two study groups, 82.2% and 68.4% in Group A and Group B respectively (p = 0.143). At 6 and 12-months, there was a significant amelioration in the intensity of all pain in both groups. The median number of days of unscheduled bleeding during the first cycle was significantly higher in Group B compared to Group A. Conclusion: Both NETA and extended-cycle OC are effective in treating pain symptoms related to endometriosis. Extended-cycle OC may cause more unscheduled bleeding, but the rate of satisfaction for those who completed the treatment was similar in the two groups.