The Effects of Cabergoline Compared to Dienogest in Women with Symptomatic Endometrioma

Background: New vessel formation or neovascularization has been recognized as a feature of endometriosis. Treatment with cabergoline suppresses cell proliferation and vascular-endothelial-growth-factor-mediated angiogenesis, thereby promoting regression of endometriotic lesions. Dienogest, a fourth-generation progestin currently in use for the treatment of endometriosis significantly decreases the volume of endometrial implants. Objective: The objective of the study was to see if cabergoline is as effective as dienogest in reducing the size of endometriomas and pelvic pain in women with endometriosis. Methods: The prospective comparative study was carried out on 56 women with endometrioma (diagnosed by ultrasound), divided by odd and even numbers into two groups. Cabergoline, 0.5 mg tablet twice weekly, was given to 28 women for 3 months. Dienogest, 2 mg tablet daily, was given to 28 women for the same duration. Pre- and post-treatment assessment of endometrioma size by transvaginal sonography and pelvic pain using the 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded. Results: The percentage reduction in endometrioma size in women given dienogest was twice that compared to the women given cabergoline. Mean VAS score after 3 months was significantly lower in the cabergoline group compared to dienogest ([Formula: see text] ¡ 0.05). The incidence of nausea, vomiting, and headache were similar in cabergoline and dienogest group. There was polymenorrhea in the cabergoline group and irregular spotting in the dienogest group. Conclusions: Reduction of the size of endometrioma is less apparent with cabergoline than dienogest after 3 months of treatment. Cabergoline yields better results in decreasing pelvic pain compared to dienogest.