leuprolide + norethindrone

This combination therapy consists of depot leuprolide acetate, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, and norethindrone acetate, a progestin used as hormonal "add-back" therapy. Leuprolide acetate works by suppressing the pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to a significant reduction in estrogen levels, which inhibits the growth of endometrial tissue and alleviates endometriosis-associated pain. Norethindrone acetate is co-administered to mitigate the side effects of hypoestrogenism, particularly the loss of bone mineral density and vasomotor symptoms. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) sponsored a Phase 3 randomized, double-blind trial to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this regimen compared to continuous oral contraceptives in women with chronic pelvic pain following surgical diagnosis of endometriosis. The combination is FDA-approved for the management of endometriosis for treatment durations of up to 12 months.

Brand names

Lupron DepotAygestin

Other names

leuprolide acetate + norethindrone acetatedepot leuprolide + norethindrone