Anyone taking Pycnogenol for Endometriosis?

[LucyAM]

Hi everyone, I was just wondering if anyone was taking Pycnogenol supplement (French Maritime pine extract) for their endometriosis? I’ve just come across it online and they say it can help relieve pain & symptoms and is also safe to take whilst ttc! Sounds rather good but wondered if anyone had any experience of it and if it actually worked? I’m newly on the Endo diet but interested in supplements too if they can help pain and increase chances of pregnancy.

Thank you for reading x

[Pixie_Pumpin35]

Hello LucyAM,

To be honest, I wouldn’t touch it. There isn’t enough research into safety and doses. As you’re trying to conceive there hasn’t been any research in pregnant/breastfeeding women. Also, the compound of the tablet can vary dependent on where you buy it. You can get a good amount from food and this is recommended.

webmd.com/vitamins-and-supp...

[LucyAM in reply to Pixie_Pumpin35]

Thank you for your message, I think I will try and get it through my diet instead like you said x

[Cailleach]

Hi, I have tried it and didn’t find it helpful, but that’s not to say it doesn’t work for some.

[LucyAM in reply to Cailleach]

Thank you for your message, that’s helpful to know x

[Busy-Lizzie]

Hello Lucy,

I've been on Pycnogenol for several years. I started taking it after I'd been on GnRh analogues (drugs that cause the ovaries to shut down temporarily) for the maximum amount of time, as I'd read studies with evidence that Pycnogenol was as effective at reducing pain without the drastic side effects.

I took Solgar 30mg Pycnogenol twice a day for 6 months initially then reduced the dose to 40mg (Lamberts) and found it reduced the need for prescription painkillers. I found a difference after a few months, so it's worth persevering.

I went back on the 30mg dose twice daily last year after my 3rd op, and the only reason I've reduced it is because of ongoing cost, otherwise I'd stay on it because it's really helpful.

My consultant is fully on board with me taking Pycnogenol.

I also take other supplements, which I started after reading extensively and consulting a nutritional therapist.

I suggest consulting a BANT qualified nutritional therapist and reading Dian Shepperson Mills book: Endometriosis: A Key to Healing and Fertility through Nutrition. Dian has decades of experience helping women heal and conceive and has suffered from Endo herself.

I wish you well

[LucyAM in reply to Busy-Lizzie]

Thank you Lizzie for your message, that’s very helpful and encouraging. I will look into those things further. The book sounds ideal too! Wishing you well too x

[nanomyous]

Hi Lucy

I have been taking 30mg pycnogenol for three months and feel that it has made a difference in pain (stage 4, large endometrioma). I also haven't had any side-effects from it.

[LucyAM]

Hi, thank you for your message. That’s very encouraging to hear and very pleased that you have had some reduction in pain x

[TennisAM]

Hi, I take it, it takes about a month of use to kick in and start working. It has helped me, I take 80mg a day, then 120mg a day the week before my period and the week of my period. I've never had any adverse affects from it. I have taken the approach that if I worried about whether there was enough research each time I try something, I'm pretty sure I'd have nothing to try. Endo is so poorly researched that I do thorough reading and make my own judgement. I suggest you do the same. I've found serrapeptase and NAC (nacetylcysyteine) effective too.