Are Eostrogen levels post hysterectomy an indicator the endo could be back?

[dasprior]

I had a full hysterectomy and ovaries removed 3 years ago so when into instant menopause. I'm concerned the endo has returned. Would getting the doctor to check my oestrogen levels be an indicator it could have reared it's ugly head again? They are trying to convince me it will just be adhesions from the extensive surgery causing the pain. (Everything was covered in the rotten stuff and they spent hours removing it all and dissecting my kidneys, bladder, urethra and bowel from it). From what I've read my oestrogen levels should be next to nothing (no HRT and not overweight). I also know endo makes its own eostrogen.

I'd be interested in your thoughts.

[Hidden]

Do you currently have any of the typical symptoms of menopause? Is your pain cyclical or constant? Xxx

[dasprior in reply to Hidden]

My menopause symptoms have been really mild. I suffered with night sweats for the first few months. Now (3 years later) I only get the occasional hot flush if I've eaten sugar. Otherwise nothing.

Pain is constant and worse at night. During the day its a constant tightness in the pelvic area and tugging. If I've over exerted myself I get the side / hip and leg pain that is identical to pre op days. At night I'm in agony with hip and leg pain.

My GP is trying to convince me it is just scar tissue and adhesions left over from the surgery and I'm not convinced as it's getting worse, not staying the same.

x

[Hidden in reply to dasprior]

I definitely think tests of your hormone levels would definitely be a good place to start. If your gp won’t do these tests maybe you could look into having them done privately xxx

[Angel71]

Hi,

I am sorry to hear you are in pain again after having full hysterectomy and ovaries removal. I had the same op 5 years ago and have been pain free since, however in the last months I am having again the same awful pain you described and which I had pre op.My GP got me to do lots of tests and nothing was showing up but as the pain increasingly resembled the endo pain, I went to see the gynae who operated me and he got me to do an ultrasound scan. This showed the endo is back on my bowel and at the back of my vagina. I have been taking HRT as I was at an age that going straight into surgical menopause wasn't advisable, but the estrogen have caused for the pain to return. I still can't believe it and the pain is increasing. Not sure what to do. The onlynoption is now another op to excise it and come off the HRT.

Could you have a scan to check? My estrogen levels few months ago were normal so I am unsure whether it's a reliable way to check if endo is back. I had adhesions in the past and they were causing me lots of pain, so it could be that if you haven't taken HRT.

I hope you feel better xx

[dasprior in reply to Angel71]

Hi

I hope you can find some relief. I’ve been doing so much research lately and came across Nancy’s Nook on Facebook. Can highly recommend joining the site for the upto date information and treatment recommendations. You may find something there to empower you in your journey.

I’m still not sure what my next step is. Really don’t want more surgery but guess I’ll need to. I didn’t think an ultrasound could pick endo up. Was it a special type?

Good luck x

[Angel71 in reply to dasprior]

Hi,

Thank you for your advice on Nancy Nook Facebbok page, I'll join.

I can understand you are still unsure what step to take next and that you are unsure about having surgery again especially after an hysterectomy.

As for the ultrasiund was an internal transvaginal ultrasound but the sonographer who performed it is a gynaecologist well experienced in identifying endometriosis. I guess also ultrasound machines are a bit more advanced as it never showed before in my scans.

I hope you feel better and find some relief from your pain soon xx