Does taking HRT reduce the side effects from Zoladex?

[Endometriosis97]

Hi, I'm thinking about starting Zoladex to manage my endometriosis pain but I'm worried about the side effects such as depression and anxiety. I'm 46 and have severe endo so am close to menopause. I've been told that taking HRT alongside Zoladex reduces some side effects. I'm wondering if anyone has had experience taking Zoladex with HRT and whether this helped with the side effects? Thanks.

[plotments]

Morning.....I've been on prostap twice now, it's similar to zoladex (it puts you into temp menopause) The first time I didn't have HRT and side effects were horrid. Second time around I was given HRT and didn't get any menopausal side effects.

I'm 48...(next week) and currently waiting for a total hysterectomy, also have severe Endo, it's on my bowel as well, cysts on ovaries and adeno.

Will you be getting the injections monthly?

[EndoJaz]

Same situation to me, I am nearly 46 and have been told they can’t really do anymore surgeries, have had hysterectomy with ovaries left and ablations and excisions so as I am what I think is peri menopausal anyway I am having a jab in May. Really scared about the side effects but feel it’s my only option now. Not a nice situation to be in is it. I just am confused as doesn’t HRT make endo grow? It’s all very complicated. When r u due to have it? X

[plotments in reply to EndoJaz]

I couldn't understand the HRT side of it either....Endo nurse explained it's not enough hormones to keep endo active, just enough to cope with menopausal side effects. It did make a difference.Just be aware the injections can put your endo on overdrive as well as calm it down. The good thing is if it's not helping just don't have the next injection.

Fingers crossed it does help with your symptoms though...good luck

[Lindle in reply to EndoJaz]

It depends on the endo severity. HRT would make no difference to severe endo as it is very poorly responsive to circulating hormones. It feeds itself by producing oestrogen within its cells for its own use that doesn't involve the circulation or ovaries. This is why menopause doesn't resolve endo, especially when severe as it can just carry on sustaining itself.

[EndoJaz in reply to Lindle]

In your opinion Lindle would you advise trying these grnh injections or is it a bit of a try it and see? I am thinking it’s worth a try. X

[Lindle in reply to EndoJaz]

Do you know if you have endometriomas (ovarian endo)?

[EndoJaz in reply to Lindle]

Yes I have a solid adnexal mass on the left ovary

[Lindle in reply to EndoJaz]

Then you really need to ask yourself what situation you want to be in going into menopause. Bear in mind these injections are only licensed for 6 months use so what after that? They aren't going to have any effect on this mass - at best only on the symptoms you have. This mass is likely to be advanced endo and in my personal opinion it is not a good idea to go into menopause with a severely diseased ovary which leaves you are risk of it turning malignant as you age. I would want the ovary out rather than supressing pain with hormones for such short term relief - if indeed you get any. But it really does need to be your personal decision. Are you in a good endo centre?

[EndoJaz in reply to Lindle]

Yes I am at a BSGE centre. I have been told as previously had hyst 4 yrs ago that the injection could shut the ovaries for good. They are so keen not to do anymore surgery and keep ovaries. They are monitoring the mass every 6 months and tumour markers were clear. I have right sided pain too which I believe is my appendix but not sure if appendix are checked in lap.

[Lindle in reply to EndoJaz]

The injections would only shut the ovaries down for good it you continued using them for years until you were past menopause which would be off licence. But I'm not entirely sure what the point would be as the endo is likely to progress anyway without functioning ovaries.

[EndoJaz in reply to Lindle]

Thank you so much. It’s never ending isn’t it.

[Endometriosis97 in reply to EndoJaz]

I'm going to have the Zoladex injection in July. My gyno thinks there is too much risk to my bowel to perform a hysterectomy so this is a bit of a last resort. Fingers crossed that it works.

[Felma]

All hrt s are not same and not safe. Which hrt are you planning to take and which route?

[lorraine1981]

Hi i was on both zoladex & tibolone before i had a total hysterectomy on Wednesday. Tibolone helps with hot flushes and other side effects from the zoladex injections. Hope this helps x

[Turtle2000]

Hello,I have been on Zoladex since December with add back Tibolone. I have stage 3 Endo and am 44. I have found it to be beneficial especially over the last 2 months, my pain has reduced. I am having hysterectomy and BSO next month hopefully.

Menopausal symptoms have been minimal just some mild headaches and tiredness. I was scared at first but happy I went ahead with it.

[Em_46]

HiI'm currently having zoladex injections each month and also taking HRT along side it. I can say that I've not had any menopause symptoms as a result. The only thing I've had was slight bleeding but that's stopped now. Can say it so nice not to have heavy painful periods and all the other symptoms that comes with it. Still waiting for my surgery, whenever that will be.

Hope this helps.

Em

[Ronsk]

Hi , I have had zoladex twice now and also decapeptyl 3 times. Always taken hrt as I find it helps with the flushes. However the mood swings were horrendous.

[Endometriosis97]

thanks for all the feedback everyone, it's very helpful. Zoladex is a bit of a last ditch attempt to manage my endo. I have a Mirena which hasn't reduced my pain and have also tried different hormonal pills. Also, my gynecologist thinks it would be too risky to perform a hysterectomy because there is a possible risk to my bowel.

[EndoJaz]

I am currently asking the hospital if I can try pain management clinic before the jab to see if this will help as for me it would only be 6 months of relief as already had hysterectomy and other excision surgeries so will see how that goes. I can’t believe the lengths we have to go to. I am so worn down with this. X