• I had endometriosis for 6 Years before detection
  
• Diagnosed on January 15, 1999
  
• I live in Bedford, Texas USA
  
• You can contact me at fairee1@juno.com
  

I'm 19 years old, and I'm a sophomore in college. I should be focusing on all the positive aspects of my life, but because of my medical problems, that focus is skewed. I started my period 3 days after my 12th birthday, and it was pretty hellish from the start. My cycle was 3 weeks, instead of 4, meaning that I had a period every two weeks. Yuck. I also had some pretty monstrous cramps, but I didn't think much of it. This continued until I was 18, when a doctor put me on birth control pills for a different affliction. I hadn't been diagnosed with endo at that point. I'm living proof that birth control pills don't always improve the endo symptoms, because I actually got worse, period-wise. Although my cycle was regulated by the hormones, I would cramp for 1 1/2 to 2 weeks before my period. Also, sex became a painful event. My parents and I were worried that something was wrong, so we went to see my gynecologist. He suspected that I had endometriosis, and recommended that I have a laparoscopy. I did, and as was suspected, I had endo. At present, the problem has already returned, less than 2 months after the surgery. It's not quite as severe as before, but I have a feeling that it will increase to its former level of severity. My doctor wants to put me on depro-lupron (sp?) and danacrin, but after being informed of the side effects, I have opted to avoid treatment as long as possible. I'd rather deal with the pain. I have also been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, which causes an overabundance of testosterone in my body. (acne, facial hair, all that fun stuff.) I'd rather not have irreversable masculine side effects, along with the problems I already have. Things are okay, though. At least I know the problems with which I'm dealing. I have a strong, supportive fiance, a great family, and, most importantly, I have my own strength.