Will the pill affect my MRI scan results for endometriosis?
My doctor has finally referred me after over fifteen years of pain and symptoms, suspecting potential endometriosis. I take the pill back to back to control my symptoms (which works to an extent), will taking the pill make it more difficult for anything to show up on an MRI if I have endometriosis? (Will it make it smaller or less inflamed?) I have waited so long and been ignored by so many doctors, I want to make sure my results are accurate. The doctor is reluctant to do a laparoscopy as well.
Has anyone else have any experience with this? They haven’t given me any information at all, just sent me a letter with the appointment date.
Thanks for any help and advice!
I don't have personal experience with this, but I do hope someone here can chime in with some advice! I can hear how desperate you are for answers! It's horrible that you've lived with this pain for so long and been ignored by your doctors. Please keep us updated when you get your results. We'll be thinking about you. Sending healing thoughts. - Kat (Team Member) i totally hear you and 15 years is such an insane amount of time to be ignored while you're in pain !! i'd be so stressed too but i've heard that the pill usually just helps with the swelling and doesn't actually make the endo vanish on a scan ! you aren't alone in feeling like you have to fight for a lap after being dismissed for so long and it's just so frustrating when they won't give you a straight answer !! have you heard anything from your doctor about if they want you to stay on the pill for the scan??
Taking the pill continuously usually doesn’t stop endometriosis from showing up on an MRI. It may reduce inflammation a bit, but existing lesions or cysts can still be seen, and doctors commonly scan patients who are already on hormonal treatment. You normally only stop medication if your doctor specifically tells you to.
Also, keep in mind that MRI doesn’t always detect all types of endometriosis, so a normal result doesn’t completely rule it out. If you’re unsure, you can contact the imaging department and ask whether you should continue your pill before the scan.
Hope you finally get some clear answers it’s completely reasonable to want accurate results after waiting so long.
15 years is such a long time to deal with this, I’m really glad you finally got the referral! I totally get why you’re worried about the MRI after waiting so long. From what I know the pill usually just keeps symptoms a bit calmer, it doesn’t really hide endo on scans. MRIs can miss it sometimes though which is the annoying part. Did they say if the scan is with someone who knows endo well? 🤞🏻
