Endometriosis and Mirena coil - experiences?

[MyVisionsComeFromSoup]

Went to the GP today as they wanted to review my repeat prescription for tranexamic acid. Heavy periods, clots, flodding, cramping, constipation and bowel cramping etc etc etc but the TAcid cut down most of that, although means that my periods last about 8-9 days in total .

GP said "OK probably endometriosis, very common, have you heard about the Mirena" and did her spiel about how fabulous it is. I said I had reservations as I'd heard a lot of bad stuff from people, plus I don't need contraception. She's sending me for an ultrasound (which I know can't see any endometriosis, but anyway) and then wants me to go back and talk about the Mirena.

So, does the Mirena help with cramping, and potential growths outside the uterus? And how common in real life are the horrendous side effects? And should i push for a proper investigation about the endometriosis, or doesn't it matter how bad it is, if the pain isn't actually that much?

I had endo with similar symptoms (except bowel) to you and the mirena meant i was without periods for 10 years and had no side effects . However, my endo eventually came back with bleeding and occasional episodes of extreme pain, and i had a total hysterectomy last year because it had filled my adominal cavity and i had bled non stop for 8 months. So good and then not so good.

ooh defineme, you OK now?

I'd be looking at probably 10 years of the Mirena (I'm nearly 45), so I suppose it depends exactly where the endo actually is, as to whether it will still be a problem post-menopause.

I'm 43, I have had the mirena for a few months. The doctor suggested it to me about 7 years ago but I didn't want to have anything hormonal - I had similar symptoms to you but did no specific test for endometriosis. I haven't noticed any bad side effects, but it has really changed the quality of my life. I wish I had done it before.

Why have they not yet referred you to a gynae?. Such problems particularly if endometriosis is suspected is outside a GPs general remit and you should be referred. Also T Acid is often given to such women, its like putting a plaster on an open wound. Its a short term solution at best.

The mirena is usually prescribed for such women but I would be asking for a referral to a gynae (and preferably a gynae as well with a specialist interest in endometriosis rather than a general gynae surgeon) first before making any decisions on the Mirena.

Its not going to have any effect on endometriosis that is on your intestines for instance.

This may be helpful to you as well:-

endohope.org/2014/05/28/my-experience-of-using-the-mirena-to-treat-endometriosis-pain/

update - had a scan today which showed a fibroid (stupidly I didn't ask how big or exactly where it was), so back to the GP to talk about what next. According to the sonographer "we don't do anything about fibroids" - as googling shows up a whole list of possible treatments/symptom managers on the NHS website. I'm starting to think this surgery doesn't deal with gynae issues very well [cross].