Treatment for endometriosis depends on your symptoms and whether you want to have chil-dren. It may be treated with medication, surgery, or both. Although symptoms of endometriosis may come back, therapy can relieve pain for a time.

Medications
Hormones may be used to relieve pain. The hor-mones may help slow the growth of the endometrial tissue. The most commonly prescribed hormones in-clude oral contraceptives, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, progestin, and danazol. Not all women, however, get pain relief from medica-tions. Medication does not reduce adhesions or scar tissue, which may be the cause of pain. These medications are not for all women. As with most medications, there are some side effects linked to hormone treatment. Some women, however, may find the relief of pain is worth the discomfort of the side effects.

Oral contraceptives
Birth control pills are often prescribed for symptoms of endometriosis. The hor-mone in them helps keep the menstrual period regu-lar, lighter, and shorter and can relieve pain. There is no evidence that birth control pills shrink en-dometriosis or increase fertility. Your doctor may pre-scribe the pill in a way that prevents you from having periods.

GnRH agonists
GnRH is a hormone that helps control the menstrual cycle. GnRH agonists are drugs that are similar to human GnRH but many times more potent than the natural substance. GnRH agonists lower estrogen levels by turning off the ovaries. This produces a temporary condition similar to menopause. GnRH agonists can be given as a shot, an implant, or nasal spray. Usually, patches of endometriosis shrink and pain is relieved. GnRH may help relieve pain during sex. Women taking GnRH may have hot flushes (hot flashes), headaches, and vaginal dryness. Treatment with GnRH usually lasts up to 6 months. After stopping GnRH, you will have periods again in about 6-10 weeks. Symptoms of endometrio-sis will recur in at least half of women who take GnRH, especially if symptoms are severe.