Prostap and HRT.

[MichelleKelly]

Hi there! I joined the site a few weeks ago and I cannot tell you how much this has been a massive comfort to me during this time. I’m 20 years old and was diagnosed (by lap) in December just past, however I was awaiting my follow-up appointment for treatment which I have unfortunately been unable to receive due to the struggles with the NHS at the moment. The endo unfortunately is back and due to COVID-19 I’ve been unable to be seen by a gynae for treatment. My GP put me on the Prostap injection two days ago as a temporary (3month) solution until I can see my gyn again, and I’m taking HRT daily in addition to that. I was wondering if anyone would be able to give me some advice or tips regarding Prostap&HRT as this is entirely new to me and it’s my first treatment for endo since I was diagnosed. Thank you all so much in advance, and I hope you are all well ❤️

[GrittyReads]

Hi and welcome to the 'endo' community.

I'm no expert, and it would be best to contact the advisors at 'Endo UK' - see the links at top- right . However, I'm surprised you are being given HRT. Do you know exactly what is in it?

Most HRT that friends of mine have had - now and in the past - were when they were getting older and their oestrogen began to drop. As far as I was aware, HRT usually refers to both oestrogen and progesterone, and … (again as far as my history, experience and talks with gynae/endo consultants) my understanding is that it is too much oestrogen which makes Endo worse. So if your HRT does have oestrogen, I'm not sure why you have been given this.

You need to check the prescription details and contents, and maybe talk to the pharmacist (if that's possible, although 'lockdown' is now lifting a little) but do also talk to the Endo Uk advisors. Hope this helps, take care,

Gritty

[MichelleKelly in reply to GrittyReads]

Hiya and thank you so much for your response!

I am being given HRT to reduce the menopause-type symptoms of the Prostap, and to replace the oestrogen etc that is lost from this.

Had a chat with my doctor this morning and she summarised mainly that symptoms etc are different for everyone and there’s no real way of knowing when the bodily changes etc will begin to be felt. Was just hoping to hear some others’ experiences on prostap&hrt.

[EJBx]

Hi, I’ve just had my seventh pro stap injection. I have found it has really helped. I do still get the odd flare up of pain, and recently had about a week where I was sore everyday but I mean sore and not in agonising pain. The pain during the odd flare up is barely anything compared to the pain I was having beforehand. Most of the time the flare ups would be around 3 weeks after the injection and during the week I was due my next, as I would have an injection every 4 weeks.

If I’m completely honest, I’m actually a bit terrified about next month as I won’t be have an injection as I was only prescribed 3 more at my last gynae appointment, and was told to book another gynae appointment 4 months later so I will have a month of no injection before going back, and I’m worried about how much pain I will be in!

I did really struggle with the symptoms of menopause during the first couple of months but that was due to my body not getting on well with Livial, the HRT I was prescribed alongside the pro stap. That made the menopause symptoms much worse than when I didn’t take them so at my second gynae appointment they switched me to patches but they just wouldn’t stick to my body! I’ve now been prescribed a different HRT tablet and they are working fine.

I wasn’t really told what the symptoms of menopause are, but thankfully the company I was working for at the time hold regular menopause cafes so I was able to meet with someone who has been going through the menopause naturally and when she went through a list of symptons I was saying “yep, had that” and “yeah that too”.

And the other thing I wasn’t told- you can have the injections in your arm, tummy or bum. The first time I had an injection, I wasn’t told that and they injected into my stomach and it did sting and it still felt a little sore the following day. The second time the nurse asked where I wanted it, and I chose the arm- and then could barely move my arm an hour or two later! Just be aware that if injecting into the arm it goes into the muscle so your muscles do seize up and it can be painful to move it for a day or two.

But despite this, I have found it to be really helpful, I am in so much less pain now than I was before. If you ever want to ask anything, please feel free to get in touch.

All the best x

[MichelleKelly]

Thank you so much! This has been really informative and I really appreciate you taking the time to respond

I hope you’re well!

[Lovepenguins]

Hi there hope you are ok. I was on prostap for 3months whilst waiting for my third laparoscopy last year where stage3 endo was removed. It made my pain alot worse and the menopause symptoms were unreal. Thankfully the hrt helped but I had to take it at the same time each day or would feel horrible the next day. Due to the prostap aswell 6months after my operation I ended up in the menopause at 31years old with oestrogen so low it diminished my pituitary gland and I developed hyperthyroidism and was so poorly. I am now on oestrogen again with norithisterone but it has made my endometriosis start growing again and the pain is returning. I would be very careful with any hormonal treatment and listen to your symptoms. Everyone is different and it's awful managing the condition. Ive had it 20 years and still am struggling. Stay strong x

[Sezvic in reply to Lovepenguins]

I had a Prostap injection for 3 months in end of February. Will my period be back in June? Did yours came back just after the 3 months or it took longer. Thanks.x

[MichelleKelly]

Oh my! I’m so sorry to hear about how long you’ve suffered with this thank you so much for taking the time to write this post and I appreciate your advice greatly!

I was really nervous about starting this treatment basically for all the above reasons, so I’m going to keep a very close eye on my symptoms etc every day

Thank you so much again, and I hope you are well ❤️