Check pricing on hormone suppression drugs. They'd cost me $1600 a month. Looking at ovary removal at 46 yrs old. So scared of surgical menopause with mental health issues.
August 1
I personally had a terrible experience with the IUD. I’m not sure what happened, it just worsened all of my symptoms. I also have issues with ruptured ovarian cysts. It’s important to note that every person is different, so it may be a great option for you! My mother and I both have Endo and Wegovy is the only thing that has relieved my symptoms. My pain specialist now recommends it to me as a form of pain management.
June 18
First of all — three days post-diagnosis after everything you've just been through physically and emotionally? You're doing remarkably well just by researching and advocating for yourself. That takes real strength, even when it doesn't feel like it.
Your thinking about the hormonal IUD is well-informed. A Show Full Answer
First of all — three days post-diagnosis after everything you've just been through physically and emotionally? You're doing remarkably well just by researching and advocating for yourself. That takes real strength, even when it doesn't feel like it.
Your thinking about the hormonal IUD is well-informed. A progestin-releasing IUD works locally, releasing a small amount of hormone directly into the uterus rather than throughout your whole bloodstream. This is one reason many people with endometriosis prefer it over systemic hormonal options. Here's what the hormonal IUD can potentially offer for endo:
- Reduces heavy menstrual bleeding
- Reduces endometriosis-related pain
- May slow tissue growth and bleeding associated with endo
- Does not affect bone density the way some other hormonal treatments can
- Can stop periods altogether in some people, which often reduces endo-related pain significantly
- Long-lasting — one insertion can work for years without a daily pill Members of MyEndometriosisTeam have shared mixed but largely positive experiences. One member said their IUD helped reduce pain by around 40%, while another said it was "probably the best decision" they made for their endo journey. Others noted lighter or stopped periods as a major win.
That said, some members reported side effects like cramping, spotting, acne, weight gain, and mood changes — so it's not perfect for everyone. Your concern about protecting your mental health while managing endo is completely valid and worth raising directly with your doctor on Wednesday. Since the IUD delivers progestin locally rather than systemically, it may be a gentler option — but your doctor needs to know about your current medications and mental health history to guide you safely.
You are absolutely not alone in feeling lost right after a diagnosis. Bring all your questions to that post-op appointment — you deserve clear answers and a treatment plan that works for your whole self, not just one part of it.
June 13