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Re: BCP to control endo-to Kim
From: Amy (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed Sep 8 10:38:20 2004
My doctor tells me I should "force" a period every 3-4 months. I asked
him if that was really necessary and he said yes, that the body does
need to have a period on occasion. I can usually tell when I am due to
force one. I just start feeling worse than usual and just feel a little
off. I always feel better for awhile after one of these forced periods.
For me, my body seems to like one about every 3 months. I notice that I
tend to get lots of cramping and a bad headache but do not bleed as much
as when I was not taking them continuously. I usually only bleed for a
day or two, instead of 4-5. Of course, I would much rather not hassle
with a period at all, but 4 times a year is better than 12 and I really
do feel better after I have one. I would just talk it over with your
Doc. Some say you should have periods and others say no. Not really
sure what the reasoning is behind having one or not having one. My Doc
just said I should do it but didn't really elaborate other than saying
it's a good idea.
Feel free to email me direct at ameyer@dbllaw.com if you want to talk
further.
Hugs!
Amy
At Wed, 8 Sep 2004, Kim wrote:
>
>At Wed, 8 Sep 2004, Amy wrote:
>>
>>OK, my PC freaked out when I tried to reply to this the first time, so
>>this response may be partly duplicated in a previous message..
>>
>>Scar tissue could be causing the pain, but continuous birth control does
>>not make the endo go away, only can help control it somewhat. While on
>>continuous bcp, you are still producing estrogen, even though you are
>>not having periods. BCPs just put a steady stream of hormones in your
>>body, but they do not shut down estrogen production as Lupron does.
>>Estrogen is the fuel for endo. Any endo adhesions in your body can
>>still grow while on continued bcp. And if that endo is located close to
>>any nerves, etc. it can cause lots of pain. My doc has told me that
>>even a small amount of endo can cause great pain, depending on where it
>>is located.
>>
>>I have done continuous bcp for several years now, and at first, it did
>>make my pain better, but did not get rid of it. I just had a few more
>>good days during the month than usual. Now, three years later, the
>>severe pain returned and I just had a third lap and am doing Lupron
>>again. Basically there is no cure for endo, so any treatment you do is
>>basically just helping to control it a little and buy you some pain free
>>time. Even a hysterectomy is not a cure.
>>
>>Sorry there is no miracle answer or easy cure! I hope this at least
>>helps to know that you are not alone.
>>
>>Hugs!
>>Amy
>>
>>At Tue, 7 Sep 2004, Kim wrote:
>>>
>>>I was diagnosed w/ endo over year ago.I did 4 months of Lupron after my
>>>lap.and am now on constant birth control so that I don't get a
>>>period.Problem is I still have pelvic pain. Could there be scar tissue
>>>from surgery causing this? How can I have pain if I don't get a period?
>>>Help me understand...please!!
>
>Let me just say how great this site is .This is the first time I've been
>here and already I feel like there are others that "get it". THANK
>YOU!!
>
>Is there ever a time when you should give your body a break from the
>bcp? Sometimes I feel not myself on these things...I feel like I need a
>break from the constant hormones..but am terrified that the pain of a
>"period" will be too much to handle..I don't know if I'm on an emotional
>roller coaster because of the bcp or from the stress of thinking about
>this ALL the time but I feel like somethings got to give!! I shouldv'e
>been a man!!!!!:)
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