Endometriosis ‘treatment’ options

[Luci20]

Has anyone tried any other ‘treatments’ other then the contraceptive pill? My gynaecologist (through the NHS) has not recommended surgery because my endometriosis did not show up on my last ultrasound scan but I read that only 10% of cases actually do show on these scans. He has therefore suggested the coil or induced menopause and I am really worried about trying either of these. I cannot tolerate any of the pills. I have been considering whether I should just go private to see if they would offer surgery. I have had really bad periods since I was 14 years old and I am now 26 years old. I have mainly been relying on NASIDs but this doesn’t ease the pain enough or help with the fatigue.

[Afrohair]

Well I would be asking why should I have a coil or go through menopause if it Dosent show up on a scan.see what I mean by that ?why would they want to treat me for something I haven’t got ?grrr .

Try looking for a specialist which works on the nhs and ask to be referred to them x

[T-uk-91]

Can i ask what contreceptive pill your on? I ask because your story is similar to mine although im still fighting for a diognosis. I found that progesterone only contraceptives dont work for me however the combined pill has given me some relief, it hasnt got rid of symptoms but makes them more managable. The implant, depo injection and mini/combined pill caused constant pain and bleeding however combined pill such as Yasmin did help me... My doctor is pushing for me to have the coil also and temporary menopause, being 28 this scares the life out of me! So i understand your concern. I hope this helps

[Luci20]

I was on the progesterone only pill but had to stop taking it last month as I was feeling really dizzy and had bad migraines on it. I have been on a few different combined pills but my doctors have said I can’t go back on that as they said I had stroke symptoms on it and I had blurry vision. The combined pills did reduce the endo pain more though. I have only this year been finally told by my gynaecologist that it is ‘most likely endometriosis’. They can’t say for certain unless you have surgery and they find it. Before this, I had doctors and another gynaecologist telling me it was just normal to experience painful periods, premenstrual pain and ovulation pain!

[Moon_maiden]

I’d look for a more specialised gynaecologist as has been said. I was told it doesn’t show on ultrasound, can do on MRI if deep, Lap is the only way to be sure.

Now trying Zoladex to induce menopause

[Mdunc]

The only way to get diagnosed with endometriosis is through surgery so there's no way I would go through early menopause without being officially diagnosed, and during surgery they can remove endometriosis cells. I had to keep going back until they finally offered me surgery but I wouldn't accept anything else before that.

It took over 10 years for me to get diagnosed so don't stop pushing!

[Klea487]

Hello Luci20,

I was going to suggest a specialised endo centre, but you do need a confirmed diagnosis. So maybe if you do decide to push for a diagnosis and you get a confirmation you can ask your GP to refer you to the specialist centre.

However, in the mean time ask your GP to refer you to your local pain clinic. They may have more options for you.