Keeping endo from returning after lap while treating PCOS

BloomingTulips · 08-20-2009, 05:15 PM

I've seen the statistics on recurrence rates for endometriosis following a laparoscopy and I'm wanting to do what I can to keep mine from recurring, or to at least slow it down. I just had a lap which removed film, an adhesion, and classic gunpowdery endo.

I've seen connections to toxins such as dioxin (bleached paper products, animal products, etc) and to a backflow of menstruation causing endo in people who are genetically susceptible. I've also read that pregnancy and breastfeeding can slow and sometimes even halt endometriosis (I presume because of the lack of menstruation and the hormonal changes). I am highly unlikely to get pregnant or be able to sustain a pregnancy because of my other diagnoses and do not want to pursue fertility drugs.

Due to my PCOS, I've not had regular cycles which has allowed my endometrial lining to thicken. I'm hoping that treating the PCOS will help to lessen the possibility of the endometriosis returning. However, it seems the hormonal treatments for PCOS and for Endo are almost opposite of each other (the former trying to decrease androgens in relation to estrogen and progesterone and the latter trying to increase the androgens and decrease estrogen).

I can't change my genes, which do make me susceptible to PCOS and endometriosis, but I would like to find out what is in my control. Is there any info you can point me to? All that I'm finding is either about diagnosing endo or ttc and I haven't specifically come across anything on how to try to minimize/treat the endo in the first place when also treating PCOS.

jacquiej · 08-20-2009, 05:41 PM

I am wondering this same thing but I thought maybe I was the only one with this problem! I just recently got off Yasmin after being on BCP's for nearly 20 years. I had a dr. tell me after the birth of my first dd that I should never be off bcps because of the endo. But I was dx with an enlarged liver and more uterine fibroids 2 months ago and started acupuncture. I wanted to see what the acu would do without the bcps so I stopped. I have also changed my diet to very little processed foods, antibiotic-free, hormone-free meat and dairy, a lot less meat and more plant proteins, and organic fruits and veggies. And I've started walking more, doing yoga and tai chi. I feel much better but I have no idea what the inside of me looks like - which is probably a good thing! I will say I like what going off the pill has done for my hormones so far except for a little bit of acne that has shown up.

I don't really have much help I guess. Just wanted to say I know what you mean. I will be interested to see what others say.