Shrinking endo?

[GabriJ]

Hello, does anyone know which hormones/ medicines shrink or stop endometriosis growth? Thanks

[Moon_maiden]

Injections like Zoladex are supposed to help do this.

[GabriJ in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thanks

[mrsk8cook]

Yes apparently Zoladex does. I will let you know on the 3rd of August if it has achieved any reduction in endometriosis adhesions.

[GabriJ in reply to mrsk8cook]

Thanks would be good to hear - did you speak to your gp or the hospital about zoladex? I feel like I’ve not been given any options so working it out myself!!

[mrsk8cook in reply to GabriJ]

It was recommended by gynae. I'm stage 4 endo. 48. Had many surgeries. Even hysterectomy 20 years ago couldn't prevent it. My organs have "tethered" together. I have bowel endo also. Zoladex will/should make surgery easier and with less complications.... hoping not to have a colectemy bag.

[mrsk8cook in reply to mrsk8cook]

Zoladex puts you in to menapause. Full on, hard core menapause!!

[GabriJ in reply to mrsk8cook]

Thanks for sharing this really helpful. Would you mind if I message you with some qs?

[mrsk8cook in reply to GabriJ]

Of course, no worries 🙂

[GabriJ]

Thank you, do you know if there’s any contraceptive pills that do this?

[Moon_maiden in reply to GabriJ]

I wasn’t on desogetrol long enough, it was progesterone only. Endo is linked with oestrogen production from what I’ve read.

The consultant seems to think the Zoladex is working re endo and how much going by MRI. I’m not convinced as it’s done nothing for symptoms.

What does your GP say? Have you been referred to gynaecologist?

[GabriJ in reply to Moon_maiden]

I’m taking cerazette (desogestrol) pill but have found out it only manages symptoms rather than stop it from growing/ shrink it. I also seem to be having periods on it so just feeling awful at the moment. I felt better taking the combined pill but wonder if the oestrogen makes it worse. That’s good to hear zoladex is working but sorry to hear you still have symptoms. GP doesn’t seem to know v much and Gynae just suggested to go on the pill so don’t feel v informed. Think I need to go back for more advice.

[GabriJ in reply to Moon_maiden]

Did the hospital consultant advise you about zoladex?

[Moon_maiden in reply to GabriJ]

The consultant suggested it at the follow up after lap. I wasn’t really any better, that’s when I found out it was deep (had suspicions). It’s given at the GP surgery. This can put you into menopause for the time taking it so this may depend on personal circumstances.

Have you had a lap or any scans to either confirm endo or check for anything else?

[GabriJ in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thanks for sharing. An mri scan showed that I have deep endo - have it between my womb and bowels / as well as between ovaries and womb. I’ve had mixed advice about whether to have a lap as don’t want to affect fertility options. I’ve been told a lap could impact fertility options as could damage ovaries. But I also don’t want the endo to keep growing. Did you speak to your gynae consultant at the hospital about your options? I’m not sure who I should be asking about this

[Moon_maiden in reply to GabriJ]

Are you with a specialist BSGE centre?

I’m not the best person to ask re fertility side, I’ve not had children. Probably had endo for years and now decides to cause real issues. I had the lap as I wanted to know for sure or rule it out.

You do need to discuss options with your gynaecologist, they do need to be experienced so you don’t get flaky advice. Have you looked at the NICE guidelines?

[GabriJ in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thanks for your message - no I’m just with the gynae and fertility depts at the hospital. Does the hospital refer you to a bsge centre or is it private? Yes unfortunately it doesn’t feel like the gynae I’m seeing is v experienced. Will have a look at nice guidelines thanks

[Moon_maiden in reply to GabriJ]

I think some might be, generally NHS. The consultant I’ve got is bringing it up at the next endo meeting. He’s not officially part of the BSGE team as such, but very experienced. That’s at the local NHS hospital. I think GP’s can refer in some circumstances.

[Moonglo]

I’m a long term Zoladex user and can confirm my cyst has shrunk. However, I’m not sure whether it would shrink under recommended timescales.

My BSGE consultant has permitted my GP to give me these injections. I suspect you’d need to at least get the prescription from your hospital consultant.

[GabriJ in reply to Moonglo]

Thank you - does Zoladex stop periods do you know?

[Moonglo in reply to GabriJ]

Yes, mine have disappeared. But some people still bleed the first few injections. Zoladex shrinks the lining of your womb, which disrupts your period cycle - this can take time while your body adjusts.

[GabriJ in reply to Moonglo]

Thanks for the info