Pre Injection work up

[Ema4390]

I am quite worried regarding the rushed nature of having been put on Medical menopause injections for endometriosis! I feel little/ no investigations were exhausted prior.

I didn’t have bloods to check hormone levels or a bone scan (in spite of having strong family history or Osteoporosis and arthritis, hormone imbalances (PCOS)) Post operatively I was put on Cerezatte with lots of issues (75mg) and then instructed to increase to a double dose of 150mg. With the exception of then having no further excessive bleeding, I have had no improvement in my pain in my hips, pelvis, lower back. All of which are new symptoms post laparoscopic excision surgery. A new Gynecologist when commenced me on monthly injections as the only option moving forward (with the exception of pregnancy).

Should I be worried that he hasn’t offered trialing other alternative contraception pills or even another surgery for example.

Has anyone had been offered work up beforehand? For example bloods or checks prior to starting injections? I just fear that I have been too trusting.

Thank you

[Sunflower-girl]

So I got told these injections are available but I’m being sent to haematology first (prior to lap). I reckon you should ask to speak with your dr or another about your concerns because you’ll want to make sure that this is the correct option for you.

I’m going down the Mirena Coil route, so if they haven’t offered that it would be strange as they tell me it’s a good method of treatment.

[Ema4390 in reply to Sunflower-girl]

Thank you so very kindly Sunflower-girl for your reply, advice, kindness and time!

[NoEndoInSight]

Hello Ema4390, which drug are you on?

[Ema4390 in reply to NoEndoInSight]

Good morning NonEndoInSight, thank you for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate your kindness to do so.

I’m currently on Deceptyl (Triptorelin)

3 mg every month.

[lap1]

I sympathise with you. But I want to share my consultants view on gnrh agonists ( what your are on). They provide short term relief. Once you come of the injections your pain returns. In the meantime you may have lost bone density. My consultant only prescribes it to quieten the tissue before surgery. You can’t be on it for very long even with hrt. So it’s not a long term solution

[Amusegirl]

You are right to be worried, going into a forced menopause is truly dreadful for the body, the symptoms are as everyvbit awful as I read - I am a very strong person and ended up a mess. I am now on both the Mirena Coil and Cerezette and although this still gives me some mild menopause symptoms due to my last and only ovary being shut down by these drugs, I don't feel like I am dying as much anymore.

I have no idea how long it's been since your operation, but you will have scar tissue, you may have some sciatica, mild disc damage, or something more simple like very tight hip flexors, which combined with sciatica can provide hideous pain in the region you described.

Please be honest: what do you eat, how much do you weight, do you do movement of any kind, are you on any supplements? I have a wealth of knowledge and can help further based on your answers to these questions.

[NoEndoInSight]

Hello again,

Have you had a look at the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for Decapeptyl? You can find it here:

medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

Medicines.org.uk is the official website where drug manufacturers publish their patient leaflets and also the more detailed Summary of Product Characteristic leaflets for healthcare professionals.

The SmPC does have quite a lot of information about bone density and the unknown risks associated with prescribing it to patients with a family history of osteoporosis. Given the bone pain you are describing, I would maybe print a copy out and have a chat to your GP and prescribing specialist about suitable monitoring and potentially extra steps that can be taken to safeguard yours. A DEXA bone density scan may well be wise.

Hope that helps, x X x

[Lofty1589]

Hi! I’ve just begun my course of Decapeptyl 3mg once a month with Tibolone HRT add back. I’m only 20 but due to my Adenomyosis causing me so much pain, the consultant felt this was the best route. Mentally, the progesterone only pill didn’t work out leaving me to feel suicidal.

I’ve had no blood work done etc and have previously refused the Mirena due to my reaction to the mini pill. This is my last option where I’m potentially able to have kids down the line.

I hope it works out for you xx