Use of aromatase inhibitors in practice of gynecology

PURPOSE: The conversion of androgens into estrogens by aromatase is called aromatization and is inhibited by aromatase inhibitors (AIs). The aim of this article is to evaluate the use of aromatase inhibitors in gynecological diseases such as endometriosis, leiomyoma, estrogen- dependent gynecologic neoplasia and infertility. METHODS: This is a review of literature combined with experience and use of aromatase ınhıbıtors ın practıce of gynecology. CONCLUSION: AIs are promising agents in treatment of estrogen dependent disease. However lack of experience, side effects and cost are limiting factors for using these agents in infertility treatment. However there is need for larger, well designed randomized trials to generate robust data in order to establish the true potential of aromatase inhibitors.