Outpatient diagnosis and drug therapy of endometriosis: A review

Abstract

Endometriosis affects about 10% of women of reproductive age and can negatively impact their quality of life (QoL). Due to the heterogeneity of symptoms or even their absence, early diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively assess the patient's complaints, including a thorough review of medical history, the results of imaging studies, and risk factors for endometriosis. Early diagnosis enables preemptive treatment and avoids surgical intervention. The article presents data on managing patients with endometriosis in outpatient settings, describing methods for non-invasive imaging diagnosis of endometriosis. Current options of pharmacotherapy aimed at controlling the development of the disease and improving the QoL of patients in the long term are addressed. Timely initiated drug treatment improves the QoL of patients, in some cases, leads to a regression of the lesions, and improves the prognosis for the reproductive function. A shift in focus to clinical diagnosis, combined with non-invasive imaging, shortens the time between the first consultation and the final diagnosis. According to the current view of Russian and international professional societies, therapy should be long-term; therefore, selecting treatment with predictable responses and monitoring the course of the disease is necessary.