Advice on zoladex for premature menopause to combat endo pain

[Tessval]

Hello ladies

I had a 7cm endometrioma cyst on left ovary removed in April 2021, left ovary removed along with both Fallopian tubes. My right ovary had no cysts so was able to be kept but it had to be detached from uterus wall due to adhesions. Recovery was long and slow (they said 2 weeks!) and although scars healed quickly, pain in pelvic area lasted for some time. I’ve kept having pain on and off in pelvic area but its ramped up again and my iron levels are very low. I’m getting a pulsating throbbing when I walk and a stabbing pain like a knife twisting on right hand side.

An ultrasound scan this week showed my right ovary now has a 3.9cm and 1.5’cm cyst.

The gynaecologist discussed a number of options with me but recommends zoladex injections to stop remaining ovary and induce a premature menopause (add HRT if menopausal symptoms are severe). The zoladex would be a test to see if pain stops and if it worked then they would remove the remaining ovary.

I’m 48 and have 2 children (15 and 12) so don’t plan to have any more. Menopause could come naturally soon but I don’t want to wait for 5 years for a natural menopause and this endo pain continue/get worse.

I’m a bit nervous about it and just wondered if anyone else has done this and whether it worked.

My main question is: if I go down this path will any existing endo they might not have found die as a result premature menopause? I’m assuming yes as there is no oestrogen to feed the endo?

Really appreciate some insights into this from ladies who have been through it as I need to make a decision soon.

Thank you! X

[Moonglo]

Hey there, I’m nearly 46 and will be on Zoladex until my ‘natural’ menopause, whenever that is. I was put on it because of recurring chocolate cysts that kept bursting. I have annual transvaginal scans, and they have shown to shrink yet another cyst that had appeared at the time I started my injections.

What the Zoladex does is ‘freeze’ the endo, so when you stop the injections, the endo will eventually come back. It has also stopped my pain.

Depending on how long you take it for, you might need a dexa scan to monitor your bone density. You may also need HRT (I take Tibolone). Be aware of the possible symptoms (physical and mental) so you start the treatment with your eyes open. Mine were nothing worse than hot flushes, but other people can have worse symptoms. If you take the monthly injections, at least you can stop them if you’re not happy with it. Best of luck! Xx

[Tessval in reply to Moonglo]

Ah thank you, that’s such useful advice and great to hear from someone a similar age that’s done it. I’m so glad it’s worked for you. As you say I do worry about menopausal symptoms. I had depression and a breakdown in 2019 but that was brought on by stressful job which I’ve now quit but I do worry about depression again as it was not a good place to be. Thank you so much. Enjoy your weekend xxxx

[Moonglo in reply to Tessval]

Glad to be of help, I’m sorry you’ve had depression. Hopefully you’re in a better place to cope with things. You too xx