Medical management of recurrent endometrioma with long-term norethindrone acetate

Ozgul Muneyyirci-Delale^1,2, Jenny Anopa¹, Cassandra Charles¹, Deepali Mathur¹, Rudolph Parris¹, Jed B Cutler², Ghadir Salame^1,2, Ovadia Abulafia<sup>1,2

1</sup>Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; ²Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kings County Hospital Center, New York, NY, USA

Purpose: Evaluate the efficacy of norethindrone acetate in the resolution of symptoms and regression of recurrent endometrioma.
Patients and methods: Retrospective chart review at SUNY Downstate Medical Center of patients with a history of surgical excision of endometrioma (with histological confirmation) and recurrent endometrioma (demonstrated by strict sonographic criterion of endometrioma) who were willing to undergo follow-up. Patients were prescribed norethindrone acetate to be taken daily with follow-up sonograms until cysts regressed. Statistical analysis included Student's t-test and a simple linear regression model to assess cyst regression over time during treatment.
Results: Degree of pain was significantly lower on treatment when compared to baseline (P < 0.00001). Cyst size was significantly smaller in as little as 3 months (P < 0.0001). Average rate of regression with continuous treatment was 0.025 ± 0.015 cm/day. Total mean ± standard deviation regression time is 10.28 ± 8.25 months.
Conclusion: Norethindrone acetate was effective in eradicating symptoms and producing complete regression of recurrent endometriomas. It should be considered for patients who are likely to adhere to a prolonged treatment regimen and comply with recommendations for surveillance with serial sonograms.

Keywords: endometriosis, regression, dysmenorrhea, medical therapy