# Results of relugolix/estradiol/norethisterone acetate combination therapy in real-world clinical practice: Effectiveness, tolerability, and factors influencing discontinuation

**Authors:** A. Santalla-Hernández, M. Naveiro-Fuentes, N. Esquinas-Orellana, LM Benítez-Cejas, M. García-Rivera, J. Fernández-Parra

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2025.100442 · European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology: X · 2025-12-30

## TL;DR

This study shows that relugolix combination therapy effectively reduces bleeding and improves quality of life for women with uterine fibroids in real-world settings.

## Contribution

The study provides real-world evidence on the effectiveness and tolerability of relugolix CT for managing symptomatic uterine fibroids.

## Key findings

- Relugolix CT significantly reduced total bleeding days, heavy menstrual bleeding days, and UFS-QoL symptom severity scores at 6 months.
- Amenorrhea was achieved in 52.7% of patients at 6 months and 66% at 12 months.
- Adverse events were primarily mild, with no cases of osteoporosis observed at 12 months.

## Abstract

To evaluate the real-world effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of relugolix/estradiol/norethisterone acetate combination therapy (relugolix CT) for managing symptomatic uterine fibroids in routine gynaecological practice.

A retrospective, observational study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Spain between June 2023 and January 2025. Adult women with symptomatic uterine fibroids treated with relugolix CT were included, either as a long-term treatment or preoperative management. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and in a subset of patients, at 12 months. Primary endpoints included changes in total bleeding days, heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) days, and UFS-QoL symptom severity scores (SSS), as well as treatment adherence and adverse events.

Among the 142 women who initiated treatment, Relugolix CT significantly reduced total bleeding days (from 12 to 2.2), HMB days (from 7.1 to 0.4), and UFS-QoL SSS (from 27.9 to 15.1) at 6 months (p < 0.05). Amenorrhea was achieved in 52.7 % at 6 months and 66 % at 12 months. Better clinical outcomes were linked to continued treatment. Adverse events were reported in 34.5 % of patients, primarily abdominal pain and vasomotor symptoms. Bone densitometry at 12 months showed no osteoporosis and mild osteopenia in a few patients. Discontinuation was most commonly due to planned surgery or perceived lack of efficacy.

Relugolix CT demonstrates strong real-world effectiveness and tolerability for managing symptomatic uterine fibroids, with marked improvements in bleeding and quality of life, and a favourable safety profile.

•Relugolix CT reduced bleeding days and UFS-QoL SSS in women with uterine fibroids.•Amenorrhea achieved in 52.7 % at 6 months, rising to 66 % at 12 months.•Adverse events were mostly mild; no cases of osteoporosis at 12 months.•Better outcomes were linked to longer treatment duration with Relugolix CT.

Relugolix CT reduced bleeding days and UFS-QoL SSS in women with uterine fibroids.

Amenorrhea achieved in 52.7 % at 6 months, rising to 66 % at 12 months.

Adverse events were mostly mild; no cases of osteoporosis at 12 months.

Better outcomes were linked to longer treatment duration with Relugolix CT.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** relugolix (PubChem CID 10348973), estradiol (PubChem CID 450), norethisterone acetate (PubChem CID 5832)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** abdominal pain (MESH:D015746), uterine fibroids (MESH:D007889), osteoporosis (MESH:D010024), Amenorrhea (MESH:D000568), bleeding (MESH:D006470), symptoms (MESH:D012816), osteopenia (MESH:D001851)
- **Chemicals:** relugolix (MESH:C561634), norethisterone acetate (MESH:D000077563), estradiol (MESH:D004958), Relugolix CT (-)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

10 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12808606/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12808606