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33 years old with endomentriosis and a history of DVT - would like to have a baby

by Stacey
(Australia)

Hi Wray,

I'm looking for some guidance around endometriosis and pregnancy. I am 33 years old. My partner and I are thinking seriously about starting our family. The difficulty is that I have a history of DVT and am homozygous for the Prothrombin gene. As you might expect I take Warfarin every day now to prevent further clotting. I also have experienced the symptoms of endometriosis since I was 26. At the time of my clotting (2008)I'd been taking the combined Estrogen/progesterone pill (Dianne) continuously for 5 years. Of course, as soon as I clotted I was forced to discontinue Dianne as treatment for the control of the symptoms of my endometriosis. I was treatment and symptom free for endometriosis for nearly 2 years.

In January of this year (2011) I experienced the recommencement of my symptoms of endometriosis. My gynecologist prescribed a progesterone supplement - 30mg Provera per day. Over the past 10 months the Provera has largely (but not completely)controlled the expression of my symptoms.

I am aware that in order to fall pregnant I will have to discontinue taking Provera and also commence an alternate form of anticoagulation as Warfarin is known to cause birth defects and other pregnancy related complications. I was hoping you might offer some comments on how long it might typically take for my body to be able to conceive once I stop taking Provera. Any other insights you may have to offer would also be greatly appreciated.

Thank-you very much for your site and for your help,


Stacey

Comments for 33 years old with endomentriosis and a history of DVT - would like to have a baby

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Nov 01, 2011
 33 years old with endomentriosis and a history of DVT - would like to have a baby
by: Wray

Hi Stacey Thanks for the kind words. I'm surprised you were given the Contraceptive in the first place, as they are notorious for causing clots. Endometriosis is caused by oxidative stress, which leads to inflammation, see here, and here. Excess oestrogen exacerbates it, as oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, plus it's an inflammatory hormone which also causes clots. But why they gave you Provera, well I'm shocked, as that also causes clots! See here and here. It bears little resemblance to progesterone, the molecule is so changed. Unfortunately contraceptives tend to depress progesterone levels, a great pity, as progesterone reduces clots and thins blood, plus it's a potent vasodilator and anti-inflammatory. It reduces thrombin by 10-15%, see here and here. It also stimulates nitric oxide, itself a potent vasodilator, which like progesterone prevents platelets aggregating. Progesterone prevents atherosclerosis, reduces blood pressure, prevents coronary vasospasms, prevents lipid peroxidation, prevents prolongation of the QT interval, and has been used successfully in stroke victims. All these are related in some way to cardiovascular disease. Space doesn't allow me to give you all the papers. I've run out of space so will start a new comment below. Take care Wray
Nov 01, 2011
 33 years old with endomentriosis and a history of DVT - would like to have a baby
by: Wray

Hi Stacey But I suspect your problems lie with low vitamin D levels. You live in Australia with it's daft policy of covering up while in the sun. Nothing could be more dangerous to our health, the sun is vital for the manufacture of vitamin D. It is vital for the normal functioning of all cells, it's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and appears to be involved in the enzymatic breakdown of fibrin within blood clots, see here. Plus these papers here, here and here. Please have a blood test done. For more info on testing etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml and not the 30ng/ml labs and doctors regard as adequate. And the minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. Vitamin D is vital for a normal functioning ovary, for conception, for pregnancy, and for the growth of the foetus, see here, here, here, here and here. I've run out of space again, more below. Take care Wray
Nov 01, 2011
 33 years old with endomentriosis and a history of DVT - would like to have a baby
by: Wray

Hi Stacey These are excellent videos to watch too, see here and here. Depending on the severity of the endo I recommend 500mg/day progesterone, I've found this amount reduces the pain and reverses the inflammation and spread. Stress exacerbates endo, see here. Progesterone is very calming, see here, so lessens the stress response. I wish I could tell you how long before you'll conceive after taking the contraceptives, but I've found it varies so much. Some women fall pregnant very quickly, others take a year or more before the damaging effects of the drugs have worn off. Finally we do have more info on our Pregnancy page. Progesterone is also vital for a successful pregnancy. Take care Wray

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