Hey,
I had my laparoscopy for endometriosis last month, they carried out ablation to treat the endometriosis. At the time I was advised that my ovaries look healthy. I have had tests (bloods & ultrasounds) for PCOS prior to surgery and all came back ok. I’ve also done numerous pregnancy tests which all came back negative.
I still haven’t had a period since November 2020, Should I be asking my GP/consultant for further investigation into this? or this is common with endometriosis?
Thank you! X
Hey,
Missed periods are common with endometriosis, but as you've had yours removed your cycles should be back to normal now. Usually there's a month or two where your cycles are all over the place while your body is recovering from the operation.
I would definitely ring the specialists secretary and book an urgent appointment - you should have a follow up booked for about 4 months anyway to discuss expectations and what to do next - most it seems aren't given that.
If you can contact your GP to get your discharge letter (they'll have it stored electronically) just to check what they've written - we can help decipher it.
You're not on any hormones or medication? apart from over the counter painkillers.
I know he carried out ablation, rather than excision so I’m not sure if that makes and difference to the way my body should react. I saw a general gynaecologist for my procedure last month and I had no idea about the difference between the two surgeries until I did my own research. Which is why I’m now trying to be referred through my GP to see a specialists in endo.
I had regular ish periods, normally from 35-40 days but from November 2020 they stopped completely and I still haven’t had a period since (apart from bleeding slightly after surgery but not sure if that even counts). I’m not currently on any contraception or hormone treatment.
Hopefully this helps regulate them again then. Never thought I’d miss not having a period ha ha! X
Ablation kind of sands off the top of the endo leaving the cells underneath to regrow (think just mowing the lawn to remove dandelions) - it's a quicker operation, recovery is faster but it does leave a lot of endo to regrow. Excision is considered the best as it cuts out the endo underneath (think removing dandelion with a trowel) - thus leaving none behind, it's more invasive a surgery, requires longer to recover but less chance of regrowth.
Ablation is usually done by general gynae because it's easier and requires less knowledge of organs also they can give hormones / suggest extra treatment later. Excision is done by specialists or general gynae with an interest in endo as they have more knowledge of organs and know it will help reduce regrowth, thus a better life for a bit longer.
In summary after about 4 months post lap; endo can already come back with ablation, recovery from surgery is 100% complete, so some recurrent symptoms may already be back. Recovery from surgery with excision still needs another few months, it won't regrow back in that time, so any symptoms should be the body still recovering.
It's good that you're doing your own research - that always helps - read as much as possible!
Bleeding after surgery - some women have that - it's quite common due to the stress of the surgery on your uterus. Depending on where in your cycle you have your lap it can change your period by bringing it forward or delaying it a bit. Surgery can also change your cycle length if it's a bit irregular although that's usually with excision as your body has a chance to settle.
Could you continue through your GP to push for a second opinion from an endo specialist? They may want to do their own scans, and possibly another lap (just a heads up). Specialists like to check what the other has done and what it all looks like inside before making a decision on what the problem is and what to do next.
Hah lol I get what you mean about periods, I don't like them but they're like a body reset, you know it's there and reliable!
Thank you for explaining everything. I really appreciate you taking the time to help and give advice.
I contacted my GP regarding seeing a specialist and she said she would look into and get back to me. If I haven’t heard anything by the end of the week I’m going to call again.
Thank you for the heads up. To be honest, I’d rather they did do their own laparoscopy and hopefully excision. I just want to give me body the best chance it’s got to help with the disease. I’m sure most people here want the same and can relate.
Haha yeah they are! Gives you a little reassurance that things are working ok.
Thanks again for your all of your help. Means a lot x
Hey,
I had my surgery about 4 months ago and my cycles were normal until about 6 weeks ago. I had a very light period and now it seems to have disappeared completely this month. I am trying to conceive so unsure what’s going on. I do think it’s normal to miss the odd one, and endo can definitely make periods very irregular. I’m going to ask for a blood test though my GP and hopefully get some answers. If I were you I’d contact your GP too. I wish you all the best x
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