Chemically Induced Menopause?

Has anyone heard of this? My obgyn is suggesting a shot that induced menopause and can only be used short term before thinking of a hysterectomy. He is also suggesting I try the Mirena IUD. What do yall think of these suggestions by him?

Charlene

Hi Charlene!

Trying options other than surgery isn't a bad idea. For one thing, other options can buy you more time while you research, weigh the pros and cons and get another medical opinion or two if you haven't already done so. Also, you don't know without trying if a less invasive treatment may be successful for you.

Research the options and decide if you're comfortable with trying them. You can still elect to have the hysterectomy but obviously if you have the hysterecomy first there's no going back to undo it.

Here's a link to some good resources you can use to help you with your decision: Hysterectomy Options Checkpoint.

Good luck with this big decision! We're here to support you regardless of what you decide.

s

Hi Charlene,

I think you are talking about lupron.

Lupron is not for everyone...that is true. Research it as much as you can. I did (3) shots of lupron to shrink my fibroids enough for a less invasive. Yes...it does cause temporary chemical menopause. I had hot flashes and nights sweats and my monthly period stopped. Lupron for me was a success. My fibroids did shrink enough and while I was on lupron the pelvic pressure from my fibroids decreased and it made me feel more comfortable. Also, Drs can sometimes prescribe lupron to help with endo and to stop periods...that can help build up the blood count before a hyst.

In the end...do what is *best* for you. That is what is most important.

Mary

Charlene,

I would guess your doctor was talking about Lupron. I was on Lupron for 9 months about 6 years ago for endometriosis, after having a lap to diagnose and treat the endo. I had all of the "menopause" symptoms, physical and "emotional", but the pain and periods stopped. However, for me, 4 months later, I was back to my pre-lap/pre-Lupron pain. BUT, it did buy me about a year to figure out what to do next - I personally chose continous birth control pills (which made me awful sick in the beginning but I suffered through it and around the 4th month started to feel human again), that bought me another 3-4 years before the pain started up again. It meant the difference between having a hysterectomy at 30 or 36. I would definitely suggest looking into other options before a hyst is scheduled!

Good Luck to you!

Christine

I'm facing a similar choice. I have to choose either chemically induced menopause or hysterectomy I talk to my Dr this Fri to weigh the options. Good luck and make sure you look up the symptoms from the meds they use. The chemicals they use can have severe side effects also from what I read.