QuestionHi Angie -
I am 37 years old and have been positively diagnosed with endometrisis in my pelvis, uterus, pelvic walls, lower abdomin and intestines. Over the past 5 years I have had 3 miscarriages and 1 successful pregnancy. I am considering treating the endometriosis as I feel it has had an impact on both the length of time it takes me to get pregnant as well as the my miscarriage rate. I looked into hormone therapy but 1) I don't want to wait another 6-9 months and 2)I am concerned about the side effects (particularly because I have read that there is no significant evidence indicating the hormone therapy will make a difference in my ability to conceive).
I am strongly considering accupuncture and nutrition/herbs as a treatment. Do you have an opinion about this approach? Or an opinion that might help me feel better about hormone therapy?
Thank you,
Leslie
AnswerHi Leslie,
So sorry to hear about your trouble conceiving. I've been there and I know how it feels. It sucks but be greatful to have been able to have your one child. Which I know you are...anyhow, on to your question.
I have never tried acupuncture for Endo but have heard mixed reviews on this method. Some say it helps and some say it doesn't. Everyone is different and different treatments help different people. I have also heard good things about The Endo Diet. That all depends on if you can stick with it. Hormone treatments have a lot of side effects. You would have to weigh out the pros and cons and see if the benefit will outweigh the side effects enough for you to want to go that route.
Other than the massive amounts of pain meds that I take, the only thing I have found that helps with my pain is Natural Progesterone Cream. This is a topical cream and can be a little on the expensive side. But it does help. before I started using this cream I would be in bed for three days with my period. I wouldn't even be able to walk for the first 24 hours. After the first two months of using the cream my severe cramping (being bed ridden) went from 24 hours to a mere 4 or 5 hours. Before I started using the cream I consulted Dr. Sinervo at The Center For Endometriosis Care in Georgia and he said that the cream does help people and to try it. But he also said that he wouldn't recommend it for long term use. He would rather schedule surgery. (Of course all doctors would rather surgery). If you decide to go this route, make sure you get the right kind of cream.
If your aim is only to get pregnant than I would have to say that either surgery (preferably Exsicion surgery) or hormone therapy would be your best bet. Neither is an easy desicion, so make sure you do a lot of research.
If you would like to look into the Endo Diet or the Progesterone Cream visit www.endo-resolved.com and if interested in the surgery I mentioned visit www.centerforendo.com.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me again.
Sincerely,
Angie
