Depression is common among women who are trying to manage and control endometriosis. For many years, women ignored their symptoms and just tried to get on with their lives, while the very real problem of depression that goes hand-in-hand with endometriosis was ignored. As a result, many women turn on themselves, feeling guilty for not being able to cope with their emotional and physical pain.

Are drugs to blame for depression?

One of the best sources of relief from pain caused by endometriosis is medical therapy. To control endometriosis, contraceptives that are high in progestin and low in estrogen are sometimes prescribed. This type of birth control pill reduces or even stops the menstrual period, and has been shown to prevent endometrial tissue outside of the uterine wall from growing. While side effects such as headaches, nausea and depression are mostly mild, they may be more pronounced in some women.

High-progestin pills help control endometriosis, but they tend to cause depression and bloating. Women also cannot expect to use these types of pills as a long term treatment because they can weaken bone density. As an alternative, some experts believe that IUDs containing progestin may be a better way to control endometriosis symptoms.

If depression is a side effect of a certain drug, a patient can ask her doctor to prescribe a lower dose, or change the prescription to something she can tolerate. There is no reason for any woman to try and tolerate a medication that is causing her to feel depressed