Prostap

[katie26]

Currently having prostap injections before surgery. Really struggling with flushes, memory loss and emotions.

Can't have HRT as need to stop 8 weeks before surgery and hoping for a cancellation before scheduled surgery date (being recheduled for 2 months past original date) meaning I've got to have 2 more injections.

I'll stress again 'Really struggling' so any alternative medicines or anything anyone could recommend.

Literally willing to give anything a go

Thanks x

[NoEndoInSight]

Hello Katie, so sorry to hear that things are so tough at the moment.

Prostap is a "GnRH Analogue/Agonist". This class of drugs suppress your body's production of oestrogen / progesterone, causing a chemical menopause and suppressing your monthly cycle.

Many of the side effects you are experiencing: the hot flushes, brain fog (memory problems/poor concentration), and mood changes (including depression and anxiety) and others (like the potential loss of bone density) are caused by hypoestrogenism (oestrogen-deficiency). This is why so many specialists prescribe them along with complementary dose of "add-back" HRT.

With HRT sadly not being a suitable option for you at the moment, you could try supplementing your diet with foods rich in "phytoestrogens" (like lentils, soya, linseeds, pumpkin seeds etc...) just like women going through a natural menopause are advised to. So long as you don't chug back gallons of soya milk you are not too likely to consume enough to override the Prostap injections or reactivate your Endometriosis symptoms.

Oestrogen is also involved in various neurochemical systems including the maintenance of adequate serotonin and dopamine levels (the happy hormones), so again you could try increasing your intake of things like Omega 3 fats, foods rich in B Vitamins, whole grains, eggs, turkey etc... to try and supplement any deficiency there.

Then there are relaxing teas like chamomile or lavender teas, or uplifting teas like green tea that some women swear by.

It may be that you find these kind of things may help a little, but ultimately it sounds like you need to go have a chat with your GP or Specialist and tell them that you are experiencing these kind of side effects and that they are impacting heavily upon your general wellbeing. It is their job to provide you with appropriate and effective emotional support while undergoing treatment. If they are not familiar with Prostap's side effects and how best to manage them then the drug's manufacturer (Takeda UK) publish their guidance on Prostap treatment and side effects here:

medicines.org.uk/emc/medici...

Sometimes it can be helpful to print this off and take this with you if you see you GP/Specialist so that you can get the most out of your meeting with them (without them having waste time looking it up themselves mid-way through).

If they are still struggling to offer advice / appropriate support, Prostap's manufacturer (Takeda UK) also employ pharmacologists whose job it is to advise medical professionals on such matters. Their contact details can be found here:

takeda.co.uk/contact/

Sorry that was such a long reply, but I hope at least something within it might be helpful. And I hope that you find a coping strategy that works for you and that things pick up soon.

x X x