Progestin
The hormone progestin is also used to shrink patches of endometriosis. Progestin works against the effects of estrogen on the tissue. You will no longer have a menstrual period when taking progestin. Progestin is taken as a pill or injection (Depo-Provera).

Danazol
Danazol is a synthetic hormone that shrinks endometrial tissue. It is taken as a pill and stops the menstrual cycle. You will no longer have a period while taking danazol. Danazol works very well to decrease pelvic pain and pain during sexual intercourse. Symptoms of endometriosis usually return in about 6 weeks after you stop taking the medication. The side effects of danazol may include weight gain, acne, deepening of the voice, and hair growth. Danazol treatment is not for everyone. Women who have liver, kidney, or heart problems cannot take danazol.

Surgery
Surgery may be performed to remove endometriosis and the scarred tissue around it. Healthy ovaries and normal fallopian tubes are left alone as often as pos-sible to increase the chances of pregnancy later. Until recently, surgery for endometriosis was always done by laparotomy. This surgery is a more extensive procedure than laparoscopy. Now, surgery is most often done by laparoscopy. Laparoscopy has many benefits over open surgery. It requires a shorter hospital stay, a smaller incision, and shorter recovery time. Not all conditions can be handled with laparosco-py. Sometimes laparotomy may still be needed. Ask your doctor what to expect. Surgery is often successful, both for treating pain and infertility, but symptoms may return. Many patients are treated with both surgery and medications to reduce recurrence. About one third of women who have had surgery will need more surgery within 5 years. When pain is severe and doesn't go away after therapy, your doctor may suggest that you have your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries removed. This is major surgery. After this procedure, a woman will no longer have periods or be able to get pregnant.

Coping
In addition to seeking further treatment, women with pain from endometriosis often find that it helps to make a few lifestyle changes. These changes indude exercise, following a healthy diet, and practic-ing relaxation techniques. Feeling fit may make it easier to handle stress, which makes it easier to cope with pain. It may also help to talk with other women who are coping with endometriosis. Ask your doctor or nurse to recommend a support group in your area.

Finally...

Endometriosis can cause pain and infertility. It can often be treated successfully. You may need more than one kind of treatment. If you have any symp-toms of endometriosis, see your doctor for treatment.