The Effects of Hormonal Medications and Surgery for Treating Endometriosis Symptoms, a Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate current literature to determine which common treatment method for lessening endometriosis symptoms is best: hormonal treatment and/or laparoscopic surgery. Methods: Literature was collected from PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar and evaluated for the benefits of hormonal therapy or surgery to lessen endometriosis symptoms. Results: Combining the two types of treatment, hormonal treatment, and laparoscopic surgery, were found to be the most effective way to alleviate symptoms of endometriosis. Conclusions: Using hormonal treatment post-laparoscopic surgery had the slowest recurrence rates, the smallest diameter in endometrial lesions, and less pain with menstruation and sexual intercourse. Clinicians and individuals with endometriosis should be aware of the effectiveness of this combined therapy for endometriosis