These stories are based on information gathered from health
professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health
decisions.
Stories about those who chose to use hormone therapy to treat endometriosis
Maria, age 45: The pain before and during my
periods was so bad, I couldn't exercise. I am an active person, and the pain
was really getting me down. I have had endometriosis for years and have tried
ibuprofen and other medications I could get at the drugstore, but they were not
helping anymore. My doctor said taking birth control pills might help me. She
said that also taking ibuprofen around the time of my period could really help.
After a couple of months, I noticed enough of an improvement that I could do
everything I used to. I'm especially happy that I can use this treatment for a
long time, unlike other hormone therapies like Lupron.
Hannah, age 29: I was surprised when my
doctor told me endometriosis could be the cause of the pain I was having with
my periods. I had never heard of endometriosis before. He explained what it was
and told me about the treatments I could try. Taking birth control pills didn't
help, and my doctor said a medication called Lupron might stop the pain, though
I could only take it for a few months. Treatment with Lupron worked. I hardly
have any pain now, and taking a little estrogen for add-back therapy controlled
the hot flashes without feeding the endometriosis.
Stories about those who chose not to use hormone therapy to treat endometriosis
Kathleen, age 38: I first noticed that my
periods were becoming painful about a year ago. I wasn't too concerned, but I
discussed the pain with my doctor when I went for a Pap smear. My exam and Pap
smear were fine. My doctor said that endometriosis could be the cause of my
pain. Since my mom and an older sister have had endometriosis, I wasn't too
surprised. My doctor talked to me about my options. She told me that using
ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin, might help my pain. Now I start taking
ibuprofen the day before my period begins. It really helps relieve my pain. As
long as ibuprofen helps my pain, I will wait before I try other treatment for
my endometriosis.
Nancy, age 40: My periods were really
painful about 5 years ago. I went to my doctor, and he asked a lot of questions
about my periods and did a pelvic exam and some tests. When all the tests came
back normal, he said endometriosis might be the cause of my pain. I asked if
waiting a few months to decide about treatment would be dangerous. He said
waiting would be fine. After a few months, the pain eased up. I am glad I
decided to wait and see.
