Looking for options other than bc

Hello,
This is my first time to this website, and I love reading all the info I can on endo and hysts. I am 27 years old, have 2 kids (not having any more), and I had a lap last April for the removal of cycts and they found endo and did excision surgery at the time. In October, my pain starting coming back, and my family doc thought it could be IBS. Then it got worse, and I was not complaining of bowel problems (only during ovulation and PMS). My doc thinks that it is my endo again, and so I have an appointment on Friday with the gyno. I know she is going to want to put me on BC because that is what she tried to do last time. I did try it, and I became mean, very mean. That is what happened last time I took bc aswell. I'm already on prozac, so I can't imagine how bad I would have been if I were not taking that. After lots of prayer, I am honestly at peace with having a hyst. But I also know I need to have an open mind to possible other solutions. I want the pain to end so I can be an active mom again, and a wife. My husband has been so supportive of me during all of this, but I want my night time marriage life back, too.
Any help you could give me would be great. Like I said, I have my appointment on Friday, and would like to go in armed with some other options if possible.
Thanks.

I am sorry to hear the endo flared up so soon! I know how that is! Have you ever tried just natural progesterone? It is supposed to inhibit the growth of endometriosis lesions. Unlike synthetic progestins such as Depo Prevera, natural progesterone does not have the severe side effects. Too much of it can cause some sleepiness or nausea, but nothing like the synthetic stuff. I have been on both. Unfortunately, I did not hear about the natural progesterone until after my hysterectomy. Yes, I am again having endo pain even after a complete hysterectomy. My doctor started me on hrt right away, and I feel that the estrogen is feeding the endo. I haven't had another lap to confirm it for sure, but the pain is much like what I had before. I am seeing a new doctor who started me on natural progesterone to inhibit the endo growth. I can not go without estrogen replacement as the surgical menopause for me is bad enough as it is with hrt. So we are trying this approach. You can get the progesterone in a micronized pill form and this is called Prometrium. Or you can get it in cream form to be applied on certain areas of your body. Your doctor can prescribe it for you. Ask about this option. Other than that, there is Lupron, but I am sure you have heard of that one and it is a nasty hormone to say the least! I am surprised your endo came back so soon with excision surgery, but I suppose doctors are only human and microscopic endo can be easily missed. I can't think of any other treatment to try, but hopefully someone will come along to share more options with you. I think there is a device called the Mirena Coil that some have had success with but I know nothing about it. And there are vitamins such as Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E, B complex, and vitamin C which can relieve some of the symptoms of bloating and cramping and help with energy. Also, be sure to get multiple opinions from different doctors on treatment approaches. You are very wise to visit here and get different opinions on the next step for you to take. As you probably know, a hysterectomy is not a cure for endometriosis, although it can provide tremendous relief for some. It also has it's drawbacks like all the other options. Surgical menopause can be harsh for some of us with symptoms such as hotflashes, headaches, sweats, body aches, joint pain, lack of libido, vaginal dryness and atrophy, thyroid problems, and more. And you are at increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and other problems. On the plus side you will no longer have periods and the pain that comes with them and with ovulation. It is a weighty decision, that is for sure. I wish you all the best in finding answers and getting relief! Hang in there and keep searching!

A friend of mine also suggested progesterone. I brought that up to my gyno last summer, and she said that would make it all worse. I think that is the confusing part of all of this, it can work for one person, and not for another, and it's not as an exact science as some may try to make us believe. Thanks for your help.

Hi SgtRed

I'm really sorry to hear that you are dealing with endo. I also had endo and I understand the need to find something to help with the pain.

Unfortunately endo is not treated the same way by every doctor. I have read that different doctors will have a different approach as to the best way to treat endo. So I am glad you are doing your research so you can help make informed decisions with your doctor.

The most important thing is to find a way to remove ALL the endo. Alot of your success at treating it may be where your endo is located and the depth of your endo. A hysterectomy may not cure the endo, unless your doctor is able to remove ALL the endo. When endo is found on the bowels and bladder it is much harder to remove from those areas.

There are a few options that you may want to research but not all doctors are familiar with them. I think it may be very helpful to get a second and even a third opinion since doctors have different treatment plans. It may even be a good idea to seek out an endo specialist.

Here are some links that may be very helpful. As (((Naturebound))) mentioned, natural progesterone is a good starting place since progesterone inhibits the growth of endo. It also counteracts the negative effects that estrogen has on stimulating the endo. I have never read that it will make it worse. My current doctor has me use progesterone with my estrogen since I had my hysterectomy for endo.

Progesterone to treat endo

Here is a list of medications to treat endo.

Medications to treat endo

The problem with some of them such as Lupron is that they are temporary fixes. Once the medication is stopped and the menstrual cycle returns, the pain of the endo comes back.

Here is a link about the Mirena coil to treat endo.

Mirena coil

Here is a link to the endometriosis resource section.

Endometriosis database

Surgical excision of the endo can provide years of pain relief. This may be an option to explore with your doctor.

As mentioned above, a hysterectomy is not a definent cure for endo. My hysterectomy has been very successful at treating my endo, but there is a higher success rate with a hysterectomy if the ovaries are removed.

That has been my biggest challenge.....the loss of my hormones. It has been a big struggle to find the right amount, type, dose of each hormone to help replace what my body needs to feel well. Menopause has some very serious symptoms that can be very hard to live with.

Please take your time with your decision and do alot of research before you decide if a hysterectomy is the best approach.

Best Wishes