Thanks
Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon, Obstetrician
Hi There
Endometriosis is a disease that proliferates in an estrogenic environment. Estrogen is provided naturally by the ovaries before menopause ( average age to achieve menopause is at 51 years). If the ovaries have been removed, HRT supplementation can stimulate endometriosis as it contains estrogen.
However, in your case the HRT is needed, to prevent symptoms of menopause and bone deterioration. So to answer your questions
1. Yes, you could have endometriosis. However you require treatment only if you have symptoms of pelvic pain, dyspareunia ( pain during sex) or dyschezia ( pain with opening bowels). Not all women who have endometriosis will have these symptoms.
2. Stopping HRT - I presume you must be in your early 40's or less. It is still important to continue HRT for symptom relief and bone protection till age 50. Stopping HRT will NOT hurt but may cause you to have menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sleeplessness, irritability, etc
3. Stopping HRT & Endometriosis - As I mentioned above, stopping HRT ( estrogen) will stop endometriosis.
What can you do?
1. Seek a discussion with your Gynaecologist regarding your options
2. Seek a second opinion from an Endometriosis Surgeon / Gynaecologist
3. If you have symptoms, get a detailed endometriosis ultrasound done
Hope this helps
Dr Yogesh A Nikam
www.aevafem.com.au
You must be a HealthShare member to report this post.
to your account or now (it's free).