ERT and endometriosis

Did any of you start ERT or HRT before the supposed 3/6 month mark to starve off endometriosis?

I personally was going to try to hold off 6 months. I've suffered w/ endo and frankly don't want to risk any growing back (and have all this hyst be for naught), but I don't know if I can handle this surgical menopause biz. I don't really care about hot flashes...but Im extremely depressed and having panic attacks. I'm also having muscle and joint pains (could that be due to low E?)

Just wondering if any of you endo sisters bit the bullet and went ahead with HRT and it helped?!

My doctor only said I needed to wait 3 months, and I took Aygestin during that time to help kill off any endo. By the end of that 3 months, I was ready. I was circling the drain big time, just so tired. It might be worth talking with your doctor about it to see if you could start sooner than 6 months.

Hi, I'm not sure what the right answer is on HRT and endometriosisis. I started with ERT right away because my quality of life was poor. What I can tell you about is whether those symptoms you described are associated with low estrogen and the answer for me is YES. I have been on various methods and doses of estrogen replacements therapy (ERT) and I've been tracking my serum blood estradiol levels. I have noticed that when my estradiol is low I have body aches, joint pains, panic attacks, a strange wooshing sound in my ear, and other symptoms but not sure if the other symptoms are directly related to high/low or fluctuations. The hot flashes are the least of my worries.

hi, i had severe endo and adeno and was put straight on estrogen hrt a week after my TAH BSO, i was worried about it growing back, but so far am feeling **** good and enjoying no periods, hope it works as well for you xx

Hi to any you who have posted above, can I ask if you are still taking Estrogen only and how you are getting on now? My surgeon was adamant I take ert only after total hysterectomy for endo. I've been doing it or six months and have got on ok but am wondering about long term use. Thanks ladies:-) x

As you can see from my surgery date...been doing estrogen only for awhile. I've only recently added testosterone.

Hi, thanks for getting back to me, I assume you had your op for endometriosis and havent had a reoccurrence?? That's very reassuring for me as the decision is making me crazy althought I am favouring the Estrogen only route. Do you mind me asking how old you were at the op? Thanks again:-) x

I was just under 28 when I had hyster and removal of left ovary. I had just turned 30 when I lost the right ovary. I'm now 54.

I wasn't really given an option to use estrogen only or not. That's just what they did most of the time back then. It makes it tough when there are choices and conflicting advice.

When they had to go back in for my 2nd ovary, there was evidence of some recurrence of the endo. I wasn't on any additional estrogen up to that point. There was involvement of my bladder, bowel, and apprendix (which had to be removed also). I started estradiol therapy at that point, first with Premarin in 3 different doses, then on 2mg estradiol where I stayed for 17 years. As far as complications I've had in recent years, I feel that my hypothyroidism that appeared in my 40's complicated things. My Dr. had also started "tinkering" with my dose.

In my own personal experience, using estrogen only didn't cause any additional problems or cause endo to recur (at least to any degree that required surgical attention). I wouldn't change anything I've done. There are no guarantees either way. Each of us has to figure out what we need to do, make our best decision, and move on without second guessing ourselves.

I just had my 8 week post op this week. Had a LAVH for severe endo and adeno, everything out, 42 years old. I walked into the doctor's office with a huge list of symptoms: anxiety, fatigue, terrible headaches, night sweats, etc..I. Also tried to have sex with my dh and I had Jim stop because it was burning and stinging so much. Bottom line- he announced it was time to start ERt. I just put on my Estriadol patch yesterday ( to be changed weekly) and he also gave me Vagifem pills to insert vaginally twice a week to help with the dryness during sex. I wonder when the patch will kick in, I am so uncomfortable in my own skin. Doc also explained that the chances of the endo growing back for me are slim, I really hope he is right. Anyone else on these meds? Thanks

You should start to feel somewhat better fairly soon. It does take a good couple of months for your body to fully settle in and your brain to adjust. Don't expect an overnight miracle...it should get much better for you though