In need of advice - Dienogest treatment
I was diagnosed with endometriosis back in april this year and they have found 2 chocolate cysts on both of my ovaries, one measuring 4 cm and the other 5 cm. Although the doctor informed me that the main solution would be a laparoscopic surgery, I cannot afford it at the moment.
The doctor recommended me Dienogest for one month, which decreased one of the cysts by a few millimeters. However, I informed the doctor about the side effects (deteriorating mental health, increasing anxiety, and constant hot flashes), and she advised me to continue the treatment for the next 7 months. Although the doctor knew that I am a smoker she did not warn me about the risk of blood clots, which I have only found out later by researching myself.
I did not start the treatment again as I am scared of the side effects, especially the ones related to my mental health, and I continued having my period during the past 3 months. I am scheduled in a few weeks for a new examination outside of my home country, hoping for an alternative treatment and opinion, but my 4th period is about to come.
Should I skip starting the Dienogest this time as well, or am I only making things worse? Can I stop the treatment after 2 weeks, if the next doctor would recommend me a different one, or would that cause any side effects?
I was on Dienogest for 7 months. It really, really helped my symptoms. However, at the beginning I had a hard time adjusting and often felt depressed, even though I do not normally have mental health issues.
One thing to consider: my doctor did not tell me ANYTHING about bone density issues, and now I have bone spurs all over my feet, and I am awaiting a test to see if I have osteoporosis. If you choose to go on this medication, I would suggest requesting multiple bone density scans to monitor this, and taking calcium supplements.
STOP SMOKING.
This is probably too late, but for anyone who will read it later: I have been taking progesterone for a few months and I do not have the symptoms I had when I was on other hormonal pills/iud. It usually makes me very depressed and in a way that is illogical, I just feel bad for now reason. but with the progesterone I did not. SO I would encourage you guys to try it.
Hey
, I'm so glad to hear that you've found a solution that works for you! Getting the right balance of hormones is SO tricky, but when you do figure it out, it makes a huge difference. As always, it is highly recommended to see your doctor before beginning to take any medications or hormone supplements. Everyone's body is different, so your doctor will be able to determine if this is a safe solution for you. Thanks for your input ! Take good care, Kat (Team Member)
