Effects of nafarelin versus danazol on lipids and calcium metabolism

Article Abstract:

Nafarelin and danazol are two drugs used to treat endometriosis, a gynecological complication in which the cells that normally line the uterus, the endometrial cells, grow and function in other locations in the body. Endometrial cells respond in the presence of estrogen, which is produced in the ovaries, as if they were located inside the uterus. The drugs work by reducing the amount of estrogen. Suppression of estrogen shrinks endometrial tissue. However, estrogen also protects women from decreasing bone density and altered blood lipids. The atherogenic index is the ratio of total cholesterol minus high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to HDL. The index is used to determine the chance that heart disease will develop in the future. In a six-month treatment period, 15 women were treated with nafarelin and eight with danazol. There was little change in the atherogenic index in patients receiving nafarelin. The danazol-treated group had a significant increase in the atherogenic index. Although there was no significant change in bone density in both treatment groups, a one percent decrease in the index was seen after six months of treatment. There was, however, a difference in the ratio of calcium to creatinine in the urine, which may be an indicator of bone turnover (resorption of bone tissue). That ratio was significantly higher in the group receiving nafarelin treatment. The use of these ratios to predict bone loss is controversial. Nafarelin is a useful treatment for endometriosis with acceptable side effects and effects on metabolism. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Blood lipids, Calcium metabolism, Danazol, Nafarelin

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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and estrogen-progestogen replacement therapy

Article Abstract:

Endometriosis is a gynecological complication that develops when the cells that normally line the uterus (the endometrial cells), grow and function in other locations in the body. Endometrial cells respond to estrogen, which is produced in the ovaries, as if they were located inside the uterus. Myomas (fibroid tumors) are noncancerous tumors that are also dependent on estrogen for growth. Drugs that mimic the action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, a hormone produced by glands in the brain, can be used to stop the production of estrogen by the ovaries. However, the reduction of estrogen produced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists can lead to a consequent reduction in bone density, increasing the risk of bone fractures. The addition of progesterone the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy can minimize the bone changes that are experienced during gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy alone. In addition, hot flashes, which are a commonly reported side effect, are reduced with the addition of progesterone to the therapy. Some studies indicate that using the agonist/progesterone combination reduces the tissue-shrinking benefits of gonadotropin-releasing hormone alone. It is thought that different drug thresholds may exist between patients with fibroids and endometriosis. Different regimens combining gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and small amounts of hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone) are suggested. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Gonadotropin, Gonadotropins, Gonadotropin releasing hormone, Gonadorelin

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Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Comparison of the pharmacology of nafarelin and danazol. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs in the treatment of endometriomas

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