I was on depo shot for 1.5 years to help manage endo pain. While on depo, I was almost pain free, no period but spotted often. I felt like a weight was lifted because I didn't have a period and wasn't in pain all day everyday as once before. As time progressed, I started to have horrible side effects...anxiety, mood changes, crying often, increase in appetite, weight gain, insomnia, bloating, joint pain, brain fog, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms kind of snuck up on me with time. Initially, I didn't associate the symptoms with depo but later realized it had to be depo. I spoke with my gyno and PCP and they informed me that depo didn't cause anxiety and insomnia. Bull shit! So I took it upon myself to get off depo. My thought was, I rather deal with the pain than to feel fucked up. I got a laparscopic surgery (ablation) to remove endo in 2018. Ablation helped a great bit the pain came back just not as intense. So I researched a skilled excision surgeon in my area. In 2023, I had laparscopic surgery (excision). My first three cycles after surgery were painful but as time progressed my cycles became normal and the pain is now nearly nonexistent. I have occasional flare ups but the pain is now manageable. I try to incorporate an anti-inflammatory diet and peaceful life (pace my life, body massages, meditation, exercise, avoid stressful situations). This helps a great bit.

I have tried 11 different hormone treatments over the course of 5 years. The ones that stop the pain, were too strong for my body so I had to discontinue use. This year I decided to take matters in my own hands and stop birth control. I feel so much better being off it. Laparscopic surgery was the lifesaver along with adopting an anti-inflammatory diet and peaceful life.

Birth control is not the treatment for endometriosis. When you're on BC you're essentially menopaused. I don't know how old you are but unless you're 50+ the impact of being menopaused on your long-term health is massive. I talk a lot about this on social media as several of my patients come with complaints just like yours after other doctors prescribe hormone suppression for them.