Hormone Therapy for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common condition that is said to affect approximately 4% of women living in the United States. Hormone therapy for endometriosis can be very effective in controlling pain and preventing endometriosis from progressing. Hormone therapy for endometriosis is the most common treatment for this condition. Hormones change the amount of estrogen and other naturally occuring hormones in the system, so that hormonal fueling of endometriosis is not fueled. Danocrine is a weak form of a male hormone that shuts off the production of estrogen. Hormone therapy for endometriosis that includes danocrine can induce menopausal symptoms. The problem with hormonel therapy is that they are not a cure for endometriosis, but only serve to shut down the production of the hormones that spur the condition.

The Patch is a newer type of hormone therapy resembling a band-aid. It contains hormones that are similar in chemical make up to the birth control pill. The patch is worn on your skin. The patch can be an effective hormone therapy for endometriosis as well as for menstrual cramps and irregular periods. The Vaginal Ring is a small ring that fits directly into the vagina releasing estrogen and progestin, a combination of hormones that effectively treats endometriosis by controlling the menstrual cycle.

Natural progesterone can work well as hormone therapy for endometriosis. This can be taken in the form of a skin patch as well. The progesterone works by counteracting the effects of estrogen production which is the main risk factor in the development of endometriosis.

Hormone therapy for endometriosis can cause disruptive side effects which can include hair growth, voice deepening, weight gain, thinning of the vaginal tissue and hot flashes. Some hormone treatment for endometriosis is very expensive and can cost up to $400.00 per month. Unfortunately, when hormone therapy for endometriosis is discontinued, it usually returns.

Some hormone treatments for endometriosis work by turning off your ovaries and pituitary gland, which is called the "master gland." This therapy also causes the ovaries to stop producing estrogen, the hormone that fuels endometriosos. Again, since these therapies also lower estrogen productions, menopause-like symptoms are likely to occur. When using hormone therapy for endometriosis, it is very important to keep up your calcium stores to preserve your bones. Estrogen helps to protect our bones, and when it's production is lowered as a result of hormone therapy for endometriosis, we lose it's protective benefits. For this reason it's important to take a combination of calcium and vitamin D every day to try and stave off osteoporosis.

While hormone therapy for endometriosis cannot cure the condition, it can help keep it at bay. You and your doctor can devise a treatment plan that works best for you.

Sources - http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/hormones-therapy.html
Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom by Christiane Northup, M.D.