decapeptyl/medical menopause

[Minigoose]

Hello lovely ladies!

I was given a 3 month dose of decapeptyl ready for excision surgery for my endometriosis back 13 weeks ago, and had my surgery 4 weeks ago! I’m still suffering really badly from hot flushes, and what I can only describe as awful heat waves and shivers! Does anyone have any tips or tricks? Or any experience as to when the menopause wears off? As my consultant said after surgery it will start to wear off…..but it doesn’t seem to, and my period hasn’t started yet - not really sure what to expect, and typical me is stressing about the unknown! (As there isn’t much research on coming OFF the menopause!) TIA 🩷

[SKELLY123]

Hi, I had 6 months of decapeptyl 10 years ago to help with endo. It took 18 months for my period to restart and about 3 to 4 months for meno symptoms to stop. I didn't have hrt during the treatment.

[Minigoose in reply to SKELLY123]

Hey, Thankyou for sharing, it really helps to see what other peoples experiences have been like! They told me my period would come back within a couple of weeks, and the menopause symptoms would leave at the same time - but I didn’t necessarily believe that!! Was that 3-4 months after the injection for meno symptoms to wear off or was that 3-4 months after surgery for you? X

[SKELLY123 in reply to Minigoose]

Hi, that was injections for me. I haven't had surgery. Pain was off the scale and couldn't function normally at all. They said they would try the injections to put me in chemical menopause. It was a game changer for me. Pain massively improved and in a decade has never returned to that same extent. Gave me my life back. The meno symptoms weren't great, I was mid 30s with two young kids. However, I knew they wouldn't last forever and I was at the point of trying anything at all to help with the pain. Now, I'm menopausal, naturally this time!!! As you had a 3 month course and I had 6 months, your period may return quicker but that's just a guess. For hot flushes I use a cooling mat that you stick in the fridge. You get them for pets too hahhaha. Helps in bed. Keep the fan on all night, carry a hand held fan. I hope your symptoms ease sooner rather than later x

[Minigoose in reply to SKELLY123]

I’m so glad it helped with your symptoms!! I was managing the menopause symptoms well until after surgery - it’s like they were all ramped up by a hundred 🙈, the cooling mat sounds really good - I’m gonna look for one now!! Thankyou 🩷

[Bbzx]

hi, I don’t have any advice for coming off it as I’ve just had month 3 injection yesterday- I’ve got that to look forward to at some point! For the hot flushes though something I’ve found super helpful is a little cheap handheld fan off amazon and using it alongside some face spray I got a ELF one of Amazon or love the body shop one. I’m with you about the chill factor afterwards though x

[Minigoose in reply to Bbzx]

my handheld fan was working for a while, then post surgery doesn’t seem to, but I know everyone’s experiences are different! I might look at getting some face spray though as I haven’t tried that! X

[Saffie123]

It’s worth considering how the anaesthetic and surgery can impact it too. For me, after each surgery I’ve had (3 now), it took a while for everything to ramp up to the ‘normal’ cycle - I think the stress of surgery/anaesthetic on the body can put a spanner in that hormone cycle.

[Minigoose in reply to Saffie123]

That’s true - I’ll keep that in mind, Thankyou!! X

[635703]

I was on Zolodex for 2 years before my excision surgery. Periods came back in about 3 months ish. The side effects were as you describe and awful. But remember that our bodies are unique and yours may behave differently to mine.

For the hot sweats and shivers - Wear layers and natural fibres like 💯 cotton. The mineral face spays are good and not much to buy. So helpful though. I use a hand held fan off TikTok shop or Amazon and they’re fab. USB chargeable and have a stand so they can sit anywhere. Good if you work in an office to have on your desk?

More importantly, my periods did come back. I’m in my late 40’s and so I hope that helps bring some reassurance 🫂💞💛💐

[Minigoose in reply to 635703]

Thankyou so much for all the advice, and the reassurance!! 💛💛