Confused about hormones

[Liz1989]

Hi all,

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions about hormonal treatments for endometriosis. I recently got diagnosed and had surgery, I'm currently receiving drugs to put me in menopause and the doctor has recommended the mini-pill for after I finish this treatment. I've heard from some that progesteron mini-pills cause a lot of side effects and that the Mirena IUD is better. I've also read that Mirena can cause more cramps/abdominal pain. Has anyone had positive experiences on either Mirena or the mini pill?

I've also heard that hormonal treatments won't really help and it's better to try to treat endometriosis naturally with healthy diet and vitamins. Has anyone tried that and been successful?

I'd love any feedback you could provide. Thanks!

[wanwood]

The thing that makes endometriosis increasingly worse each month as time goes by is ovulation. Hormonal solutions such as the pill can help you to suppress ovulation. You won't be able to stop ovulation or the menstrual cycle with a healthy diet and vitamins, and it would be a shame to undo the benefit from the surgery and the menopause you're going through. I know some people say that their symptoms have improved by cutting out gluten, for example, but it's really not an alternative, more something to do in addition to hormonal treatment.

For the side effects of the mini-pill vs the coil, everyone reacts a little differently to them so it's probably just a case of try one and see how you get on . . . . your doctor should be able to explain which one is more likely to be effective.

[ccsmith]

At the beginning it’s so confusing isn’t it. Sadly there is no perfect answer when it comes to medications/hormones and healthy living. You will find people on here who have found something that works for them but doesn’t work for others.

For me I’ve had 3 lots of surgery, every pill, coil and injection out there. They help in one way but give side effects another. You need to decide what is ok for you. The last lady is right in that stopping your cycle keeps the endo dormant and sadly you need hormonal treatment for that. Dietary changes and supplements may help reduce inflammation but that’s all.

Personally if you’ve not tried anything start off simply and build up.

Xx

[Peebles2sarah]

Hormonal treatments definitely help treat the condition. Natural things may help with some symptoms but they don’t treat the disease unfortunately. A low estrogen birth control pill taken continuously is a good option. If this is not effective enough for you, a progestin only medication such a visanne is a good option. I haven’t really had side effects with visanne other than the first week when I was adjusting to the change in hormones. If you have any more questions let me know