Endometriosis

[juju496]

I am thinking about having a hysterectomy because of terrible endemetriosis,  I am 47 and have a history of breast cancer, so I cannot get any hormone replacement therapy.  But i have read that maybe it won't help.  Does anyone have any thoughts?

[shoprmom]

I'm 45 yrs old and just had a hysterectomy in July for endomedtriosis.  My doc gave me progesterone only for 4 months to kill off any residual traces of endometriosis before switching me to estrogen.  From what he told me, progesterone kills it off while estrogen fertilizes it. I never knew that.  I asked about stopping the estrogen because I'm not liking it at all.  Loved the progesterone.  He said it would be ok unless my menopause symptoms became too bad and I could go back on it.  He said no estrogen is better than estrogen for endometriosis.  I've suffered from pain and discomfort since I was 19.  I've felt so much better after surgery.  Just don't like what estrogen was doing to me, so I'm trying some time with nothing.  I have no menopausal symptoms.  I had my surgery with the DaVinci robot and came home the next morning with little pain.  Good luck in deciding!

[Sanjivani Wanjari, MD]

HI,
Hysterectomy may be a good option. In severe cases of endometriosis hormone therapy may sometimes not work. Also you cannot take hormones. And also considering your age, a total hysterectomy may be considered. Removal of the ovaries may also help with the breast cancer. You may discuss with your Doctor.
Hope this helps.