Doctors say that one way of managing the pain of Endometriosis is through Hormonal Suppression. THIS CLAIM IS HIGHLY DISPUTED. Please see Dr. David Redwine’s articles entitled, “What is the theory behind danazol and why don’t you recommend it?” and “What about GnRH agonists?”
If you choose to try hormonal suppression, your doctor will recommend that you take a birth control pill, such as Yasmin, or a GnRh agonist, such as Danazol or Lupron, for two to six months.
Your period will stop during this time, and according to doctors, the symptoms and pain of Endometriosis should stop as well. You will need to see your doctor again after two or three months, at which time a determination will be made to either keep you on the hormonal suppression for anywhere from two more months to indefinitely (with GnRH agonists, you CANNOT stay on these drugs indefinitely as they pose a health hazard). This all depends on whether you are responding well emotionally and physically to the hormonal suppression.
It is VERY important to note how your body and mind is reacting to the hormonal suppression. If you are at all distressed, in pain, or even worried about the effects the hormonal suppression is having on you, contact your doctor immediately to find out how best to get off of the medication and/or if it is feasible to try a different hormone.
The same risks apply to hormonal suppression as they would to hormone replacement therapy and to just taking The Pill.
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