Mixed Results with Esmya: A Hormone-Based Treatment for Fibroids

When I was dealing with uterine fibroids, I had a lot of options to consider. These growths can range from small to huge, and they can show up in different ways - from a single nodule to multiple clusters inside the uterine wall. In my case, I had a bunch of small nodules, each about 5 mm in size, which were surgically removed. Two of the bigger ones were a real concern because they had a high risk of twisting and causing necrosis.

My doctor recommended Esmya as a hormone-based treatment to shrink the fibroids and alleviate adenomyosis, a type of endometriosis. To be honest, I didn't have any other health issues apart from the big fibroids. They were removed via laparoscopy, and the only downside was that I had trouble getting pregnant and carrying a pregnancy to term. But that's a whole different story.

Esmya works by putting you into an artificial menopause, which slows or stops fibroid growth and alleviates adenomyosis. You take one tablet in the morning for a course of 3-6 months. The artificial menopause comes with its own set of side effects, including hot flashes, irritability, and decreased libido. If you need it, it's definitely worth trying.

The cost of Esmya is pretty steep - 33,000 rubles for a 3-month course. Breaking it down, 30 tablets per month cost around 11,000 rubles. It's a good idea to buy the entire course upfront because the medication can be hard to come by and delays in treatment can be a problem.

So, I started taking Esmya. At first, I had a persistent headache that lasted for a week, and I couldn't figure out why. My periods stopped completely for three months, which was a welcome relief. I started treatment during the summer, worried about the risk of hot flashes. But, to my surprise, everything went smoothly.

Out of all the unpleasant symptoms, the only one I experienced was a migraine-like pain at the beginning. But it passed. I didn't get any hot flashes, and my libido remained unaffected.

One important thing to keep in mind: Esmya is toxic to the liver, so you'll need to have your AST and ALT levels checked before starting treatment. During treatment, it's crucial to monitor any other medications you're taking to avoid adverse interactions. And, of course, no booze is allowed.

After three months, I had a follow-up ultrasound to see how the treatment was working and figure out what to do next. Now, here's the interesting part: the treatment had some results, which I'll outline below:

The size of my fibroids decreased (all of them); The effect on adenomyosis is still unknown (can't be assessed without a hysteroscopy); Cysts appeared on my ovaries (one on each); My prolactin levels increased (cause unknown).

Not only did my wallet take a hit for 33,000 rubles, but I'm also facing an MRI of the pituitary gland to see if the adenoma has grown due to Esmya's effects. The result is there, but it's very ambiguous. I want to emphasize that I have a metabolic disorder, which may have influenced the treatment's effectiveness. As many reviews suggest, these cysts may resolve on their own, but they can also start growing again.

For me, the treatment brought more problems than benefits. The symptoms were gone, but the hormonal impact had a significant effect on my already malfunctioning metabolism. I think it's essential to weigh the pros and cons with your gynecologist and endocrinologist (if you have thyroid or pituitary issues) before starting such a serious medication. My next course of action will likely involve no further treatment and close monitoring. I'd give Esmya a 4 out of 5, as the effect is there, but people with hormonal issues should be prepared for side effects. Stay healthy, everyone!