Have i got endometriosis

Posted , 2 users are following.

Hi all, I've experienced abdominal pains for 5 months, had all sorts of tests for loads of things resulting in no diagnosis.... My dr now thinks it could be endometriosis - however I don't have periods, I haven't for 13 years due to the depo provera contraception I'm on. Silly Question but can i still get endometriosis without having periods as the womb lining doesn't come away every month? Sorry to sound thick. X

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    I've recently been reffered to a gynaecologist who wants to do yet another ultrasound before a laparoscopy even though that's what my dr referred me for. My Ultra sound is not until 26th jan. X

  • Posted

    Yes, Leeane, you could still have endo, might've had it 13 or more years ago. Endo occurs when tissue which should only be found inside the uterus/womb grows elsewhere in the body. In some of us it survives despite the various meds thrown at it, while in other women the meds or pregnancy are sometimes enough to stop it. Thus far no one knows why or what the difference is.

    I am glad that your docs are staying on top of all this. You're very fortunate in that respect. I hope all goes well for you and that they only find something fixable or curable.

    • Posted

      Oh ok, I've tried to do research but it all seems to relate to having periods. Thankyou for your kind words, I cannot take the pain much longer, I'm hoping for a diagnosis soon. X

    • Posted

      Yes, this is all about the very cells which, when sloughed via the uterus, cause the physical appearance of periods. When those cells grow in other parts of the body, on, say, the ovaries or fallopian tubes, or even on the outside of the uterus instead of its inside, they still go through the monthly cycle. Your depo provera shot stops that menstrual sloughing so it stops the appearance of the period and prevents pregnancy. In some but not all women with endo, the endo stops bothering them.

      I was not on depo provera for the simple reason that I had a total hysterectomy at 27, trying to get rid of all the endo. I took premarin for 27 years so it was quite annoying to discover that despite having no uterus, cervix, ovaries or tubes, i still had endometriosis. It is pesky stuff sometimes and carries on quite well without any of the normal organs appurtenant to monthly menstrual cycles. So yes, everything you read says it's about monthly periods. In some of us our bodies apparently keep cycling without the means to slough blood, or to shed the blood/lining.

      There are other issues that can cause your pain and I hope that one of the lesser, more curable, problems is causing your pain.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.