medically induced menopause

[Red476]

I’m only 26 and have the coil, the surgeon has said he wants me to be put into early menopause to treat my deep pelvic endometriosis. But no other treatment has been tried, has anyone ever experienced this treatment and if so what did it do?

[Dinah_lady]

Monthly Zoladex injections (in the stomach) put me into a temporary menopause. This reduced/removed oestrogen in my body and did give my endo a chance to stop being stimulated and actually shrink/settle/heal. I was on this for about 18 months and took HRT tablets to reduce out hot flushes and help bone density. I was 32. It was the right decision for me. Also with changes in diet and exercise over the 18months, the symptoms hugely improved. It was actually life changing. After stopping the med, my period started just a couple of months later. I’ve not needed any prescribed painkillers since then to treat the pain 😊. Prior to starting Zoladex, I was told my endo was in my bladder and likely in various other places (tubes, bladder etc) so an operation wasn’t offered at the time due to risks. That was 10 yrs ago and I would imagine procedures are better now, but the med route worked well for me. x

[Red476 in reply to Dinah_lady]

Thank you for your reply, do you know if this would stop me having children. I know it’s difficult to conceive with endo but I’m worried the temporary menopause will take that chance away from me completely x

[Dinah_lady in reply to Red476]

When my consultant advised Zoladex (temp early menopause) she was sure that operating wasn’t a good option for me. As I says, this was 10 /12 yrs ago and I was around 30. I asked for a hysterectomy as I felt my quality of life was so poor due to the pain (having children were the last thing on my mind as I thought I was only just managing to function myself). She said there was a slim chance that Zoladex could start an actual menopause (no periods starting after I stopped) BUT only if I was going to naturally go into early menopause at that age. Anyway, my periods started like clockwork within a couple months of stopping the med.

It is worth mentioning that I have never had a positive pregnancy test (8 yrs ttc)and I have had unsuccessful rounds of IVF. My consultant believed that the endo scarred my ovaries and reduced egg quality. I was (again) not advised to have potential endo removed from my ovaries as that can leave scarring. So, I would put down my difficulties conceiving to endo, not Zoladex. I was actually told that I was more likely to conceive in the 6-12 months after stopping Zoladex…. Maybe something to do with eggs being stored up over the time and then more being released naturally?!! I wasn’t trying to conceive over that time, but I think that would have been the peak time to try… due to my age and the advice I was given. Anyway, make sure you make a list of questions for your consultant so you get the most current medical advice. x

[Raven23]

I find this really interesting.I'm also 26 but I have 2 children and dont plan anymore so I asked would it be worth removing everything, my consultant said he wouldnt want to put me into early menopause and all the symptoms/side effects at my age and advised against it. Instead in having my tubes tied and my copper coil swapped to marina when I eventually have my laparoscopy (been cancelled 4 times).

Your doctor will obviously know what's best for you and your kind of endo, just find it interesting we have experienced the complete opposites haha

[Red476 in reply to Raven23]

my friend who also doesn’t have children was offered the complete opposite to me at the same hospital, I’ve had the marina coil for years now which I think has helped but I had an ovary removed at the beginning of the year and then a stoma a few months later which made my endometriosis so much worse. Strange how different consultants give such different advice to individuals of our age! X

[GemmaK27]

Hi,

I am 30yrs of age and currently on my 5th month of decapeptyl injections. I have them once a month in my bum and they make me temporarily menopausal too. I also have the coil fitted and am taking hrt alongside the injections. It’s the best thing they have done for me since having my first laparotomy in April this year honestly(my cysts returned after just 3months). My swelling has reduced, I have no bleeding, no pain, no menopause symptoms, maybe the odd mood swing but I was always prone to those 🤭.

While I am waiting for my next uss to determine if I am having more surgery soon I am living a normal life ! They have certainly helped me but that’s not to say they are for everyone.

Good luck 😊

[Emmy31]

I have just finished my 6 months on decapeptyl with HRT. It has made things so much better. Pre this treatment I was on so many pain killers and really suffering. I have still had the odd pain to my hip area but I haven’t needed to take any painkillers or use my tens machine. I am 35. I have children so I cannot comment on ttc post this treatment.

I am nervous for what will happen now my 6 months is complete. I have my appointment in a couple of weeks so fingers crossed 🤞.

[Kay92jay]

Hi Red476, I am currently on the monthly injection for chemically induced menopause, I am 30. I had my third injection last week, side effects wise I have only had hot flushes but it hasn’t stopped my pain completely. It is not a permanent menopause, the nurse explained to me that it is very much like a contraceptive, once you stop having them, you will operate as normal in the uterus area! X

[Ess1982]

hi red I was 25 when o was treated with zoladax for endo. I had it for 6 months.. fell pregnant with my one and only child shortly after despite being told my chances of conceiving were 1pc naturally. Zoladax for me was ok I did feel wobbly the first month, however I wasn't offered hrt alongside it then I was fine on it. It definitely helped with my pain and certainly 'cleared me up'. After this I have just watched my diet and tried my best to tolerate the pain.

Mirena did not work for me in fact it made things 100x worse introduced a pelvic infection which means I haven't been to work since September and I am now scheduled to have a hysterectomy (im 40 now)

Best of luck in whatever you decide xxx

[G3miniStar]

Hi Red, I'm sure the other ladies in their replies have said, but the prostap induced menopause isn't permanent and shouldn't affect your future chances of children. There has apparently been instances of the womb lining not growing back and entering a permanent early menopause but from what I understand that's usually in women who are older. I hope this helps to put your mind at rest x