Well, I saw my gynaecologist yesterday (nice lady, very happy with her).
Scan ok, so I walk away with heavy-duty prescription painkillers and a sample pack 93 months worth) of a new Pill, Cerazette, which is supposedly the next big thing. It’s progestogen only, is non-androgenic and makes a significant proportion of users amennorhoeic (which would be bliss).
Oh, yes, and I’m scheduled for a diagnostic laparoscopy, hysteroscopy(to rule ou endometriosis as a cause of my pain) and possible Mirena insertion (if Cerazette doesn’t suit) for 4-6 months time.
To help bump this thread, from what I can tell this particular medication is not US FDA approved, and the most recent information I can find on it says that Organon is not sure whether to apply for approval. A combination pill containing the particular form of progesterone (desogestrel) plus an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) is sold in the US under the brand name Desogen.
Thus, interested American women should note that it wouldn’t help to ask their physicians for this exact brand name of pill. There are other progestin-only pills available, however.
I was on Desogen up until last week, when I switched over to Junel, mostly because I begged my doctor for something cheaper. I didn’t like Desogen much, though. My period was longer on it then without any hormonal pills, my breats were tender to the point the the underwire on my bra and metal loops that hold the straps on made my body ache by the end of the day. It took me a while to remember than this could be caused by the pill (I’m a little slow at times). Plus, now that I’m off it, I think my mood is better. Granted I’m still waiting for my stomach to stop being upset from the new hormones, but hopefully by next week I’ll be doing better.
Also, if your insurance doesn’t cover desogen, it’s one of the more expensive pill. The one I’m on now is 15 dollars a pack cheaper.
No idea about Cerazette. But I am happy to hear about the Mirena possibility in your future - I remember you writing about it before. I’ve got the Mirena, and couldn’t be happier (obviously, though, every woman’s different). Love it. Loooove it. Happy to answer any questions you might have (tho’ I doubt there’s many).
Hope everything goes well for you, and that you figure out how to make life better.
My spelling in the OP just shows that one shouldn’t type after having to work an extra 3 hours to cover the time spent away from the wards at a gynae appointment!
Being on FDA unapproved medication doesn’t bother me (I was on Dianette for 3 years, and it’s one of only 2 BCPs that have suited me so far, and the FDA thinks it’s too dodgy to approve).
But yup, I’m not really holding out that the Cerazette will do miracles, I’d much prefer the Mirena. 5 years baby (and hopefully period) free with minimal hormones, virtually no side effects and insertion under GA sounds like as near to ideal a solution for me as it gets!