Zoladex and periods

[Hannaht88]

I started zoladex injection around 7 months ago and agreed to try it for 6 months with the gynecologist. I was given HRT (tibilone along side). This gynecologist also referred me for an MRI. Whilst discussing I was told the zoladex may completely stop my period or I may find I still have one, which I did just alot lighter. When I returned after 6 months to discuss the results of the zoladex and MRI I met another gynecologist at the hospital who told me something completely different. I was told I shouldn't be having any period at all with zoladex no matter how light and that because the MRI didn't show anything up it was unlikely to be endometriosis. (After 2 other Dr's have pretty much confirmed it is). She did however place me on the waiting list for the laparoscopy which left me feeling very confused if she doesn't belive it is endo. She also agreed to try zoladex without the HRT which I have had for around 6 weeks now and no period.

Has anyone experienced anything similar or have any information I can look into for guidance. I have been left very confused.

Thank you in advance

[Sunset-lady]

Hi I'm on zoladex and addback HRT. I am still bleeding-but only very slightly. When i started it in January, I bled heavily for 3 months. Before I went on it, I bled for 18 months. I am now bleeding because I am on HRT and the estrogen makes my womb lining shed. I'm not prepared to take this drug without HRT as my mental health would not cope. I suffered terribly with peri menopause symptoms, and this drug puts you into chemical menopause so I know I need HRT to manage. Some women do fine without HRT and some have terrible side effects. You need to monitor your symptoms and decide. At my last injection they increased my progesterone which has worked well and helped to stop the bleeding. Tibolone is often given as it's a very low form of HRT and most women don't bleed with it - but some do! Zoladex reacts differently with everyone. Some women continue to bleed all the time without HRT.

I have stage 4 endometriosis which they found whilst attempting to do a hysterectomy. They abandoned the operation and I'm waiting to see an endo specialist on the NHS (I already saw him privately in November).

You don't mention your age or why you are on zoladex? Is it for suspected endometriosis alone? I hope that's helpful. I would push for an MRI. Can I ask if you are under a proper endometriosis surgeon. In my experience general gynae have very little knowledge of endometriosis, and I'd only have a lap done by an endo specialist otherwise they may miss it altogether. Good luck x

[Hannaht88 in reply to Sunset-lady]

Thank you so much for replying. I came out of my appointment feeling like a liar and that I was making it all up. My bleeding was minimal like you said but it was a period for sure (just the timing of them). The HRT was making my moods worse and the headaches too. Yes it is just suspected as endo. I just feel in limbo at the moment and not listend too either. I will ask when I speak to her again about a referral to the endo centre at another hospital. (The other consultant suggested that depending on severity.)

[Sunset-lady]

Hi. Sorry I didn't realise you'd had the MRI. It really depends on whether an endo specialist interpreted the results. Please make sure your surgeon is an endometriosis specialist.