Which medication is considered a standard therapy for a patient with endometriosis?

GnRH agonists are considered a standard therapy for managing endometriosis because they work by decreasing estrogen production, which is crucial in the development and maintenance of endometrial tissue. By inhibiting the gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus, these agonists lower levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, leading to a state akin to menopause. This reduction in estrogen helps to shrink or slow the growth of endometriotic lesions, providing relief from symptoms such as pain and discomfort, which are prevalent in patients with endometriosis.

While oral contraceptives, NSAIDs, and progestational agents also play roles in the management of endometriosis, they do not have the same robust effect on the suppression of endometrial tissue that GnRH agonists provide. Oral contraceptives can help manage symptoms by providing hormone regulation but not necessarily as effectively shrink existing endometriosis. NSAIDs are effective for addressing pain but do not treat the underlying endometriosis itself. Progestational agents can also be beneficial in managing symptoms, but they may not be as effective as GnRH agonists in terms of the overall management of the disease. Therefore, GnRH agonists stand out as a more