My symptoms were much better on norethindrone, but I have been trying to get pregnant and had large endometriomas on ultrasound so when I saw the endo specialist, surgery was recommended which I had last June.

I agree with everything that was already mentioned here and I think number one thing is don’t hold back. Tell the doctor everything and tell them how much your symptoms interrupt your life. From what I have experienced, the endo specialist is the best person to help you and they will patiently answer your questions and provide you with options for your symptoms and for what you want out of your reproductive health.

Best of luck to you, I hope you get helpful info soon. 💜

Thank you so much. I will write it all down. I did have a transvaginal exam but it only showed two small fibroids and a very small cyst outside my fallopian tube. Then they prescribed norethindrone but no mention of any idea of what it could be. I made an appointment with a specialist in endo because after the norethindrone made me feel a tiny bit better during my period I started to suspect endomitriosis. I hope they figure out what's wrong because although the pill did help it did not take away the pain completly and I still have constant ovulation pain (I only felt that pain once every other month on my left side for a few seconds and now it's every day for just using the restroom or sitting a certain way). Again, thanks for the help and I hope I get some answers.

Hi, I was in the same boat as you in October last year. Literally procrastinated for years till the period pain got absolutely debilitating.

Prior to your first doc visit, I'd recommend noting down your pain history, symptoms, changes in flow/pain/cycles if any, date of last periods, etc.

Next, carry previous doc visit reports and prescriptions, if any.

Also, do mention to the doc if you have any other medical conditions and if so, what meds you take regularly.

They'll likely check your height, weight, and ask various questions to arrive at a theory. The next step might be to take a transvaginal ultrasound to check your ovaries etc and see if there are any cysts or adhesions. Do note though, that many times ultrasound is either not enough to determine the presence/spread of endo, in which case the doc may ask you to get a laproscopic surgery. Blood work may also be required.

Use your first visit with the expert to properly discuss your issues, fears and queries related to endo, even for other seemingly unrelated health issues if any. Also, if you're prescribed a med to start with, definitely ask about what kind of side effects you should expect, what impact it'll have on your cycle, how long it'll take for the med to start working, and what's the minimum time your body might need to adjust to it. (Don't forget to take the med at the same time every single day without fail.)

Finally, if the meds cause you unbearable side effects, immediately contact the doc and discuss alternative treatments.

Hope this helps. Good luck! 💙