Clinical and Hormonal Effects of Chronic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Treatment in Polycystic Ovarian Disease

This study evaluated the effects of long-term administration of a GnRH agonist (GnRHa) in 8 patients with polycystic ovarian disease (PCO) and 10 ovulatory women with endometriosis over 6 months. The treatment led to a complete suppression of ovarian steroid secretion, with hormone levels dropping to those seen in oophorectomized women, while adrenal steroid secretion remained unchanged. Clinically, the treatment helped revert hyperplastic endometrial histology to an inactive pattern in some PCO patients and reduced symptoms like skin oiliness and hair growth. Most women experienced amenorrhea after initial vaginal bleeding, and hot flashes were common. The study concluded that chronic GnRHa administration could be beneficial for managing endometrial hyperplasia and ovarian androgen excess in PCO patients.