Endometriosis Support Group

Birth control pills do nothing to stop or slow the growth of endo, that is a myth many doctors believe. My surgeon explained that ONLY Lupron type drugs will work (I think Danazol is in that category, but your doctor could explain which ones) and they put your body into 'fake menopause' for a period, which shuts off ovary function.
I have never tried Lupron, but I know beside surgery and alternative treatments, it is my only option for endo treatment (or drugs like it). I want to have kids and don't believe Lupron is a good choice beforehand.
I just wanted to dispel the BCP myth, because so many of us are told that and it is 100%wrong. It does stop symptoms in some women although with me it made me worse.

Every one is different and our bodies change year by year, what may work for you one month may not the next.
Here is a helpful website to aid in your choice:
http://www.wdxcyber.com/ncontr13.htm
Most of the low dose BCP do well with women who have Endo.
Best wishes!

Thanks for the replies. I've already tried Lupron and had a terrible reaction to it. Been on heart medication for my palpitations since then. I'm sure it works for some people, I sure wasn't one of them. As for BCP, I reacted badly to the mini-pill (progestin-only). I have an appt this tuesday with a neurologist.. I've developed peripheral neuropathy. Maybe it's all a matter of finding the right pill. This whole thing is a vicious cycle. Had my uterous removed and still I have pain in the back area. My gyn says, to take the pill (or Lupron) to keep the endo in check. The others, non-OBG, says the hormone meds are affecting my overall health in general.

Thanks again for your input :)

I take diclofinac for the pain...it's an anti-inflammatory and it works pretty well. I'm on Norethindrone 5mg which has shut down my ovaries, so that I don't have my periods or grow any more tissue, but the side effects are awful. Menopause symptoms and weight gain...I gained 50lbs while on 10mg, then had to go back down. I hope you find something that works!

hey, i have tried many a birth control pill to stop endo and i guess the myth is right because they haven't done much apart from make my periods irregular.
Cerazette I was told to take double the dose. That literally blew me up like a balloon. I have never ever felt so swollen in my whole life.
It was just a crap pill.
At the moment I'm on Loestrin 30. Even though I don't think it's done much about my endo particularly it has been very tolerable, more then any other i've tried. It does cause breakthrough bleeding. But the plus side is you can go a couple months without a period.

I personally don't think they do all that much. I think mine's grown back and some so I am going back next week for a scan!

I agree with others. I am also on Loestrin and it doesn't really seem to do much other than make my periods irregular and cause breakthrough bleeding. So not fun! But the periods are a little lighter.

I also take Ultram and Darvocet on occasion for the pain, but that is just a temporary bandaid, and I feel like they might be causing more problems with side effects.

I posted earlier today and I am trying to change my diet and see if that helps any. I figure it can't hurt to try. Exercise is also hard and can be painful, but I am trying to make sure I walk just about every night for a little bit!

Good luck!