Review article GnRH analogues physiology and clinical applications in the female

ABSTRACT

A number of disorders in gynaecology are amenable to alterations of ovarian steroid hormones or pituitary gonadotrophin secretion. The availability of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone [GnRH] analogues and their ability to specifically inhibit pituitary gonadotrophin secretion has allowed these agents to be investigated as new treatment modalities in a broad spectrum of gynaecological and reproductive endocrine disorders. GnRH analogues have a well-established role to play in the treatment of endomethosis, uterine fibroids [pre-operatively], dysfunctional uterine haemorrhage, ovulation induction and polycystic ovary syndrome. They are also being investigated in premenstrual syndrome, precocious puberty and as an alternative approach to contraception. This article reviews these various applications and any problems encountered in their use