Endometriosis

GnRH agonists (such as Lupron and Zoradex) and oral contraceptives (OCPs) are hormone therapies that reduce endometrial lesions by suppressing estrogen. Prescriptions that promote blood circulation and resolve blood stasis—such as those that clear blocked blood and nourish the body, or those that resolve blood stasis in the lower abdomen—do not directly alter hormone levels, so they can often be used in combination. However, as certain herbal ingredients (such as Angelica gigas and Carthamus tinctorius) may increase the tendency to bleed, it is recommended to discontinue use for two weeks before and after surgery. Careful coordination is required if there are medications that share the same hepatic metabolic pathway. At Dongjedang, we record all medications currently being taken during the initial consultation and coordinate herbal medicine prescriptions according to the stage of hormone therapy. We also provide supplementary prescriptions to alleviate side effects (decreased bone density and facial flushing) during GnRH treatment.