GP & Contraceptive Pill

[Ruby_groucott]

hello,

I was wondering if anyone has been using the contraceptive pill to help reduce symptoms and grown of endometriosis. Does it work? And have you been using the combined pill or progesterone only? My consultant advised I start taking it but I’ve been having problems with my GP. They are refusing to give me the pill because it is noted on my account I have had a migraine, so now I’m worried I won’t be able to use it as medication. I do think it’s a bit silly as I’ve only ever had one migraine in my life !

Any advice? Feeling super stressed!

[CryBaby91]

A migraine isn't enough for them to say no really, they could easily give you medication to help combat that if it's an issue. You can get the pill yourself through the pharmacy now or just attend your 21+ sexual health clinic. I believe the nurse can also prescribe it xxx

[Ruby_groucott in reply to CryBaby91]

yeah that’s what I though! Oh wow really? I didn’t know this! Thank you so much xxx

[IB15]

Hiya,

I was on the combined pill for many years to try and improve symptoms of bad periods (Before I was diagnosed with endo) until I started getting migraines. The combined pill is not advised if you have Endo as it has estragon in it which can worsen endo and is also not allowed if you have migraines.

I currently take The Progesterone only pill (Cerazette/ Desogestrel) it has significantly improved symptoms of endometriosis. There is no risk if you suffer with migraines on this pill and you can take is continuously so you don't have a period which gives your body a bit of a break.

There are some side affects to takings any pill, they don't always suit everybody and effect everyone differently but for me personally the pill symptoms are much more bearable than the endo symptoms! Talk to your GP or give your gyny department a ring and ask for advice

Hope this helps! x

[Ruby_groucott in reply to IB15]

interesting! I’ve heard the progesterone only pill might be better! I think I’ll take your advice and speak to my consultant about trying it. Thank you!! Xx

[IB15 in reply to Ruby_groucott]

Hope you get the answers your after and the help you need xx

[Kaylo0481]

I was on the combined pill but advised to take it continuously without the weeks break as I’m not allowed to bleed at all because I lose too much and end up in hospital. However I did start with migraines so they changed me to the injection and I’ve been on that ever since. Still getting the migraines though.

[Zoelizabeth in reply to Kaylo0481]

I also have been doing the same since diagnosis in 2017. Back to back pill, no break. I have Gedarel 20/150, but my concerns now are with Osteoprosis in later years 😅

[Michelle_2022]

I’m debating going on the pill till as pain is ridic the last couple of weeks and now I have excruciating endo sciatica…

[Jellybean20]

hello.. i am 39 and I have stage 4 endo and my only option is a hysterectomy and bowel surgery which I cannot have due to being a single mom… the gynea clinic had initially put me on a tablet called provera, I take 30mg a day this was until I could see a consultant.. when I finally got to meet my consultant I told her surgery just wasn’t viable at this moment in time but I am honestly pain free due to this provera so can I maybe buy myself a few years on this then have the surgery which she is more than happy with!! When I had my mri while I was on this provera she told me somehow my endo was showing inactive which is what this tablet has done for me! So no bloating no pains no period nothing. Maybe the very odd time I would have a flare out of the blue but it’s nothing compared to the pain I was in daily as I have endo all in my pelvis and some days I couldn’t walk! Please speak to your doctor or consultant about trying this I swear by it! It is a really old school medicine for this illness but it absolutely works! I so also swear by taking a pre and pro biotic! It takes the last bit of swelling and poor digestion away to leave me flat tummied with a poor diet and bloat and pain free. Hope this helps. Xxx

[Bondi64]

Ive recently been diagnosed with stage 4 at 38yrs and as i was already on the combined pill ive just been told to take it back to back for three months too see what symptoms/pain is like… so far v mild period pains every once in a while and no sharp stabbing i used to get

Ill discuss it at my next consultation in nov as would prefer to not have surgery and manage the pain.

I have questions to ask at the next consultation as i was also concerned that the combined has estrogen , so is it ok long term ( as i had a reaction to the progesterone only injection once which made me depressed)

[EternalSunshine87]

Hi, I am on the combined pill. I take it for 3 months then a break. It has helped significantly. I can actually do my job without the worry every month of being off work. I've thought about the progesterone only one, but haven't given it a try yet.

[Emmaja_ne]

yes my symptoms became unbearable a few months ago and I was started back on a contraceptive pill which I didn’t really want because of side effects and risks of breast cancer/ clots etc (which I know are rare but I went down a rabbit hole of news paper articles) I’ve been told to take mine back to back so that I have as few as possible bleeds. On month 3 and I’ve started a ‘period’ and the symptoms are back 😭 I’m now on a 7 break and then to start the pill again back to back until the next bleed so I’m hoping this one finishes soon!