Progesterone Only Pill

[ZM1980]

Hi there, I have posted here before about symptoms of possible endometriosis. I still do not have a diagnosis, but have only been offered the POP as a first line of treatment (I assume this is typical for most with chronic symptoms)?

I have been reluctant to try this, mainly because of potential side effects (every medication I take seems to affect my digestive system) and concern that symptoms may return and be more severe once I decide to stop taking it. I would be interested to know what other's experiences are with the POP - does/did it help with your symptoms and did you have any problems once stopped? Can it also help to shrink/halt growth of fibroids or would that be a different type of treatment?

My lower left symptoms seem to have flared up recently (I think because of chronic stress and anxiety), so I am seriously considering taking it.

Thanks in advance!

[Tabbypurple]

Hey there, I took the POP a few years ago in 2019 after a relatively new diagnosis of endometriosis.

My advice would be to steer well clear. Everybody responds differently but I bled continuously for over 3 months on this pill and the hormonal/digestive issues were unpleasant too. Completely counter productive as I was told this would stop me from bleeding! Years later I got my adenomyosis diagnosis and I’ve heard the POP can actually increase your chances of getting that too.

I much prefer using natural support such as essential oils & supplements as I believe hormonal treatments only mask the symptoms and can create new problems.

I hope this will be helpful. Fran x

[ZM1980 in reply to Tabbypurple]

Hi there, yes that makes sense that hormonal treatments could possibly cause other problems - this is what I am concerned about (side effects - short term, long term, worsening of existing problems once stopped etc). However I feel I'm at that point where my symptoms have progressed/flared-up, so need to have some kind of intervention!Can I ask what type of supplements and essential oils you use to help with symptoms? I have taken Starflower oil capsules in the past, but think that was more for PMS symptoms.

Thanks again. x

[Tabbypurple in reply to ZM1980]

Hello 👋

Yes that makes sense and it’s probably best for you to weigh up the pros and cons if you do decide to go ahead and to know you can stop at any time too is always a bonus. I take 1 peppermint capsule twice daily usually after food, 1 milk thistle which helps liver detoxing which is great for endometriosis, 1 omega 3 fish oil, magnesium b6, vitamin D & evening primrose oil. The most effective essential oils are the clarycalm blend doterra does it’s fantastic for emotional support and can be used topically to aid period pains. I also think lavender oil is effective in alleviating lower back pain and I use ylang ylang on wrists or back of neck for emotional support. X

[Avourneen]

It helped me hugely. Much more than my surgery but I have severe endo not fibroids. It's quite common to get severe bleeding when you start it for some people,but your specialist will suggest you double the dose if this happens. It slows the growth of endo and is much safer than combi pill which can make endo grow more. After a month of bleeding I doubled the dose and the bleeding stopped completely this helped hugely with my pain, 5 years on I still have no periods.

I think as you can see form my relpy and the one below what works for different people varies greatly. I have never read anything that links the pop with adenomysiosis and haven't had any issues with it. Why not try it for a couple of months it has totally changed my life and stopped all my bleeding but it is important that if you bleed a lot at first you stick with it for a couple of months or get a double dose, it needs sometime to work. Good luck.

[ZM1980 in reply to Avourneen]

Glad to hear the POP helped with your symptoms - looks like it works differently for everyone. I'm still not too keen, but will have to weigh up the pros and cons! Next appointment with gynae is in June, but the specialist advised me I can request this from my GP, if I do decide to start. Thanks

[Starry1977]

I’m on desogestral and it so far hasn’t stopped periods but they’re lighter. However they do say to give it 3 to 6 months for everything to settle. There are various brands of POP and everyone reacts differently. I’d say try it but make sure you give them long enough. If it doesn’t work you can just stop taking it.

[1Poppy1234]

I have been taking this for 18 days now, I'm still getting awful pain but I think it can take up to three months to work properly that's what I've been told anyway. I haven't noticed any other side effect except a migraine type headache for the first eight days or so.

[ThinkitsEndo]

Hi

Similar situation as you, my symptoms were mainly lower right and suddenly flared up on the left. I have not been diagnosed either but have been on progesterone only pill (Desogestrel) for only 2and a half weeks.

Was reluctant to try it to but my pain has almost all but disappeared, still get the odd pain from time to time.

My period came a little early and has been heavy but a steadier flow. The previous one poured out of me for the first 2 days but this has been spread out and not scary

Only early on for me so very curious as well about what it does to the endo tissue (my impression was it just stopped/slowed growth) and how people have reacted coming off it.

[DragonG]

Everyone’s experience and body reacts differently to things but I personally found the POP absolute hell!! I bleed through it, still had an irregular and painful period. My mental health had never been worst and I had weird stroke/migraine symptoms that the gps were so confused by. You can always try it for 6 months and then come off it if it’s not making you feel good. They often need 3 months to settle into your system but some doctors will try to persuade you to stay on In for years, so just trust yourself and what you’re feeling 😊