Danazol (Danocrine)
synthetic version of the male hormone testosterone
inhibits the release of FSH and LH by the pituitary gland
decreases estrogen levels similar to menopause, stops ovulation
improved symptoms in 89% of patients
side effects:
- deepening of the voice, abnormal hair growth, reduced breast size, water retention, weight gain (nearly all gain weight between 8-10 lbs.), acne, irregular vaginal bleeding, muscle cramps
it is now shown that danazol does not eradicate endometriosis
it is also shown to be ineffective in long term relief of pain
“As it turns out, I took Danocrine for nine months. That seemed to stem the pain, so for me, the drug treatment was helpful. I did not experience any side effects from Danocrine, though I was terrified of them after reading the cautionary information that came with the drugs. The effects of the drugs lasted five years, and I started in with unmanageable pain once again” Kathleen Wiater