dienogest or mini pill?

[Els123456]

hi everyone I have been on the mini pill for a while and like it with no side effects. After my lap and removal of endometrioma 4cm cyst (no other endo found) the consultant said I should swap to dienogest before my follow up appointment. I’m a bit scared to take this because of the side effects and like the mini pill. I don’t know what to do pls help, I don’t want to keep changing medication and hormones, I’ve just been put on the mini pill and am scared to change.

[CathyEarnshaw]

If you like the mini pill and it’s helping your endometriosis then stick with it. I’ve been off and on so many different hormonal medications and it’s so stressful transitioning each time, waiting for them to work and dealing with side effects, so I completely understand why you’re scared to change meds. It would be good to ask your consultant if there’s a really good reason why they’re recommending dienogest instead, but ultimately, it’s your body and your choice. If something doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to do it.

[Els123456 in reply to CathyEarnshaw]

Thank you I’ll see if I can get hold of the team at gynae on it.. as forgot to ask at lap as so many things going on you forget the small details!

[Audrey4]

Hi, I was initially on Dienogest and it wasn’t for me so I switched to the mini pill, which suits me better. My consultant explained that Dienogest can help to reduce the size of lesions and cysts (when the mini pill doesn’t), that’s why they often recommend Dienogest. But if they didn’t find any other lesions, and the mini pill suits you, maybe you could discuss with them if you could stick with it? It can be hard to find something that works for us. Good luck!

[Amberzz1]

While a mini pill is a general progestin-only contraceptive, dienogest is often prescribed specifically for treating symptoms associated with endometriosis, including pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.

Dienogest is better at treating endometriosis and is used to stop or slow endo growth.

Evidently the side effects of both the mini pill and dienogest are similar, since they’re both progestin , so switching potentially wouldn’t cause too much hormonal changes.

[Els123456]

thank you so much I’ve switched hoping the side effects are manageable - it’s so hard getting hold of the hospital or gp to get any advice!

[Els123456]

I’ve only been taking it a couple of days but think it’s giving me hot flushes which is not very helpful with recovery.. I called my gp and they don’t know about the medication and the hospital I can’t even get through to.