Endometriosis - any advice?!

Endometriosis - any advice?

My partner has just found out that she has endometrioma ( 5 - 6cm) on one ovary, or near it. She was given a shot of Lupron Depot. Has anyone had this before? Just looking for general information, concerns, etc. We are both ex-pats living in an Asian country and sometimes the communication with doctors can be a bit difficult.

An endometrioma is a cyst that, unlike other types of cysts that fill with fluid, they are filled with blood/old blood-they are also commonly called chocolate cysts b/c of the brown color they usually take on due to the old blood. This type of cyst should be removed. Endometriosis is when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. The tissue inside of the uterus responds to the body's hormones and makes the uterus lose the lining it prepares in case of a pregnancy-a women's period. but when this tissue grows outside of the uterus it does the same thing-it bleeds-but unlike in the uterus it does not have anywhere to leave the body so the surrounding area/tissues/organs become inflammed and irritated. So, if that endometrioma she has ruptures she will likely have a lot of pain and the blood inside will have no where to go and will further the problem by irritating the surrounding area. She needs to see a dr. that specializes in endo and have it excised. my personal opinion-I refuse to take lupron and I don't think is should be given before she has been diagnosed, an endometrioma can be found on an ultrasound but endometriosis can only be diagnosed through a laporascopy-surgery. Lupron puts you into medical menopause so she will endure a lot of the symptoms of menopause. I would research lupron like crazy, some women say it has helped them while others claim horrible side effects that last long after the lupron has been stopped-and it is not a cure and is only FDA approved to take no more than 2 courses of the treatment in a lifetime b/c the long term effects are not known. Try researching it on remedyfind.com or askapatient.com to read real experiences of women who have taken it. my best suggestion is to research endometriomas and endometriosis, try your best to find a dr. that specializes in it and can successfully "excise" not "laser" the disease-best chance at long lasting relief, there is no cure despite what the dr.'s may tell you. And don't be surprised if the lupron affects her moods-common side effect. Good luck-hope this helps.