Double-dose progesterone to control symptoms?

[Pantyline]

Hi all, I’m 35 with suspected endo and been on arm implant (nexplanon) + desogestrel (progesterone only pill) for a year and a half.

The implant on its own stopped the worse of cramps and heavy bleeding, but I was getting light bleeds almost daily for a couple of months, so was prescribed first a combined mini-pill (still bleeding), then the progesterone pill instead, keeping the implant in.

About 4 months ago I started getting very bad nausea almost daily, and IBS symptoms I couldn’t shift (mild diarrhoea, can’t fully empty bowels, bloating and burping, loss of appetite because of the nausea), with a month relief when I started antidepressants (citalopram).

Figured out my arm implant is in end-stage (6 months left to 3 year official expiry), so this could all be my progesterone levels getting low.

My question is if the idea is keeping a high dose of progesterone, do I get a replacement implant, or double up on the progesterone pill? Does anyone have experience of hormonally controlling suspected endo, and any interactions with IBS? I’ve got my first gynaecology review appointment in June 2024 (haha), but have to make a little-informed decision before then as the nausea and ibs are too much for me.

Additionally, while the antidepressant is working wonders, depression is a side-effect of hormonal contraception. I’ve had depression on and off since I started my periods, and have almost always been on hormonal contraceptives for pregnancy-protection, bar when I got my two children. I’ve also started getting anxiety when I got Covid a year and half ago (correlates with hormonal experimentations). Any comment/your experience of this welcome!

Thanks

[HealthySpiritMind]

hey girl, what happened in the end?

[Pantyline in reply to HealthySpiritMind]

Hello! Here's an update, but not the end of the story yet...

1) went to sexual health clinic to have implant removed. Discussed double-POP pill and they can't prescribe that as it's an off-license use. However the Dr did slip me two packets of it... I discussed it with my own GP, and they approve of the double-POP approach given other forms of contraceptions haven't worked to control my symptoms.

2) I still have terrible nausea every couple of weeks, which I strongly believe is hormonal. Whether it comes from birth control or endo or a combination of both I don't know. I tried switching to taking the pills in the evening as read online it can help, but it didn't for me. I've switched back to taking them in the morning with my other drugs (just easier for me to keep on top of).

3) GP is prescribing me anti-nausea medication to take as needed and up to 3 times a day. However, I had to do an ECG as I'm also on citalopram and the drugs can interact. So all in all, it was still a few weeks to sort this solution out. I'm just about to pick up my prescription this afternoon, so don't know how I'll fare by then.

4) I have a gynae review in June, and hope to have an informed conversation about all of this. I'm hoping we either streamline my drugs cocktail, or discuss surgical options. I'm not very keen on surgery due to birth trauma, I don't handle hospital settings or pain very well. I wouldn't want to have to have multiple laps as some people on this forum describe. My GP said there's one option to completely remove the endometrium, so I'll ask about that (no more periods, and I know I don't want any more children)

That's where I'm at! Hope it helps others to read this, and let me know if you too have experience of non-surgical options to control endo... XX

[HealthySpiritMind in reply to Pantyline]

I will, at this point, I think many doctors are also in the dark about women's bodies and I pray to GOD that answers will come for all of us, sooner - rather than later