Aromatase inhibitors or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for the management of uterine adenomyosis: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of aromatase inhibitor vs. gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists in treating premenopausal women with uterine adenomyosis.

DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled study.

SETTING: A university hospital and a private practice setting.

POPULATION: Thirty-two patients with uterine adenomyosis.

METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated to receive oral letrozole (2.5 mg/day) or a subcutaneous gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (goserelin, 3.6 mg) for 12 weeks. Uterine and adenomyoma volumes were determined at baseline and during treatment at four, eight and 12 weeks.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Measurements were performed at baseline and during treatment at four, eight 8 and 12 weeks, and mean values were calculated. Symptoms at the start and after 12 weeks were evaluated.

RESULTS: No significant differences in the total uterine size between the post treatment uterine volumes in the two groups (20.1, 15.4 and 13.0 cm(3) vs. 21.7, 15.1 and 11.7 cm(3) , at four, eight and 12 weeks, respectively). Total adenomyoma volume decreased by 8.6, 29.7 and 40.9% vs. 5.7, 34.6 and 49.1% after four, eight and 12 weeks of treatment, in group A and B, respectively. Two patients became pregnant in group A during treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Aromatase inhibitors are as effective as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in reducing adenomyoma volume and improving symptoms.