I have been having a lot of irregular bleeding lately and a lot of pelvic pain. My doctor suspects that I may have endometriosis. I have to have an ultrasound on Monday to rule out any other problem. She said endometriosis won't show on an ultrasound, so if it doesn't show anything, then I will need to have surgery. I was just wondering if anyone else has this problem and what is done for it. Has anyone had to have a hysterectomy?

Hi,

Like sydney1976, I did continuous bc pills. I, too, had breakthrough bleeding. They eventually tried the bc injections, like depo-porvera, on me. I still had break through plus all the nasty side effects of the freggin injections.

I don't know how much you know about endo. Endo feeds off of estrogen. So, the theory behind the continuous bc pills is to keep your body from making estrogen.

Unfortunately, the fat on the female body, especially abdominal fat, produces estrogen. This is usually the culprit behind break through bleeding.

Give the bc pills a try. I was diagnosed at a time where the was only 2 books on endo. My old pcm couldn't tell me squat about endo. I had to hunt and dig for info on endo. I am so glad that there is so much more info, now.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks. I have been reading a lot about it. Everywhere I have read says that birth control pills is the main treatment. I will try it. My doctor said it is best to do them continuous after having the lap surgery to remove the endo. He says it gives you a fresh start and helps prevent the bleeding. I tried the Depo shot before and I hated it. I bleed for 9 months straight. But that was before I knew I had the endo. But I still wouldn't go back to it. The side affects are awful.

I don't have endometriosis, but I do straight BC w/o the placebos because of heavy periods. It's not a problem at all, think most people freak out because they think they have to have a period. The newer products on the market like seasonale is just BC w/o placebos (except for the 4 wks). Every once and a while I stop them and my period will be lighter and less painful.

It does sound like you have endo. Symptoms are low abdominal pain, back pain, pain with defecation and pain with sex. Endo also tends to be a common cause of infertility in women under 30.

Since you have endometriosis, it is advisable to stay on BC to help with the symptoms.

I'm not freaked out by not having a period. I think it would be a great thing! I just worry about breakthrough bleeding.

I occasionally will have break through bleeding, but it is usually very light and manageable. I can't say it is like that for everyone, that has just been my experience. Hope you are feeling well!

I too found out I had endo in my early 20's. It resulted in terrible terrible periods and pain. Basically EVERY symptom mentioned here including craving ice like a drug addict. I had 3 laperotomies 2 rounds of invitro...shots galore... and at 36 I finally had a hysterectomy. At first I was very depressed because I never had given birth but baby after I healed and was completely pain free for the first time since my 20's I cant be more pleased. I miss not carrying/giving birth to a child, but I adopted a beautiful baby boy who is now 13. I still don't miss the endo... funny thing is my sister found out she had it too and basically follow my same path.

I have been taking the birth control pills continuously now for about a month. I am having some bleeding, but it is on an off and not very heavy. I am wondering if it will stop if I continue to take the pills. But I do feel a lot better since having surgery. I just hope it is under control now with the pills.