Is cerezette successful in treating endo

[Bunster]

Following laparoscopy 3 months ago recent MRI shows 3 new cysts have grown. I'm very disappointed and fear further surgery. I have severe endo. Anyone found reflexology helps? Or tips to reduce bloating? Would love to hear from you.

[jfd2013]

A double dose of it on top of mirena has helped ease pain and bleeding but my endo is still spreading/getting worse. But we're all different. xx

[sanchia46]

Cerezette does not treat endo, it's used to help manage the symptoms and pain.

[stevieflp]

Yes Sanchia is correct. Cerazette is a progesterone only contraceptive pill which mimics the hormonal state of pregnancy by increasing levels of progesterone vs estrogen. Hence the progesterone will alter the balance between estrogen and progesterone and have a beneficial effect of temporarily shrinking endo, as happens with pregancy. However, it's effects will only last whilst on the treatment. It will supress endo rather than treat it. The contraceptive pill is probably the most benign of the drugs on offer but regular blood pressure checks are advised.

This ties in with the subject of estrogen dominance which is thought to be important re endo as an exacerbator rather than direct cause, and many other conditions. Estrogen dominance does not necessarily always mean an excessive level of estrogen (a blood test with the GP may show it to be within the 'normal range') but that the balance between estrogen and progesterone is wide. Progesterone reigns in the effect of estrogen.

The ovaries tend to get blamed for excess estrogen (which are just doing their job) - it is more likely to be the effects of all the overload of chemicals in this modern world where we daily plaster ourselves with products that contain xenoestrogens (chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body by stimulating the estrogen receptors into reacting as if there was more estrogen than there actually is). There are many alternative products on the market now that do not contain substances called parabens or Phthalates or sulfates (all classed as xenoestrogens). I believe it makes sense to cut down on exposure to these chemicals. Plastics too when heated for hot food or hot drinks as a chemical known as PBAs are released which are also xenoestroen. Phytoestrogens also are contained in food, hence the endo diet, but there is less exposure from food sources as phytoestrogens are processed by the liver and excreted (hence it is important to maintain liver health by cutting out caffein and not drinking excessive alcohol etc). Xenoestrogens which are absorbed though the skin via shampoos/shower gels/moisturisers/toothpaste/cosmetics etc., or lungs (perfumes, air freshners etc), do not go through the liver so are absorbed directly and tend to get stored in body.

Sorry if this is a bit off your original question about Cerazette but it is all related in a round about way.

Any medical treatment for endo (drugs) is only temporary, including the GnRH drugs that mimic menopause. However, if you are not wanting to take the surgical route/it suits your particular circumstances at the moment and have no problems on the contraceptive pill, then they may suit you for the time. However, unless you can stay on these drugs ad infinitum, you will need to deal with advanced endo surgically at some stage and sooner the better really.

Have you been under the care of an endo consultant specialist or a general gynae? The surgical route with a general gynae can be very much hit and miss depending upon their specialism/skill. It is very unlikely that an endo specialist would recommend long term drug treatment for advanced endo. You would have a better chance of getting your advanced endo treated surgically if you were under one of the specialist endo teams. A whole different experience and much better outcome. You want to see someone who is skilled enough to remove all endo and not just remove patches. It is this removal of patches that leads to multiple surgeries and the belief that endo always comes back and cannot be eradicated. When it is all successfully removed it is a much better outcome - and it can be done - just needs a skilled and specialised endo team. Not a job for the local general gynae.

All best wishes x

[Bunster]

Thankyou so much for your very detailed and helpful reply. I was seen by general gynae. I have been told that I would need very complex surgery by a specialist to remove endo with high risks to my bowel as it would need re sectioned. I had first laparoscopy in March to remove large cyst and severe endo was diagnosed. Since this I had MRI and 3 new cysts have been found but apparently they are too small to remove. I have been told that unless I'm in severe pain ( which I'm not)then to stay on cerezette or mirena coil until menopause I'm 40 now.To be honest it took me 7 weeks to recover from laparoscopy so don't want surgery unless vital. I have been told that if in pain then to go to Gp and I will be reviewed otherwise I'm not under a review is this normal? I thought they might keep an eye on cysts???? Very confused by it all.