What’s the lowdown?
- Cerelle is a popular brand of progestogen-only pill which contains a progestogen called desogestrel
- Cerelle may lighten or stop your periods which can improve the symptoms of endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common women’s health condition affecting 1 in 10 women which can cause symptoms that can really impact your quality of life. Endometriosis is caused by cells similar to those found in the womb lining growing elsewhere in the pelvis, including on the ovaries, pelvic wall, bladder or bowel. Unfortunately, the exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown.
Annoyingly, it can take a long time to get a diagnosis of endo and so people can spend years trying to control the symptoms of pain, fatigue and heavy periods. Often, people are recommended contraception for endometriosis as a treatment for the symptoms.
Hormonal birth control is a great way to control endometriosis symptoms by making periods lighter, shorter, less painful or even disappear.
What is Cerelle?
Cerelle is a form of hormonal contraception that contains a progestogen called desogestrel. It is a brand of progestogen-only pill that is widely used and available. It works by preventing ovulation (release of an egg), thinning out the womb lining to prevent pregnancy and by thickening cervical mucus so sperm can’t enter the womb. Cerelle is very effective at preventing pregnancy – 99% if used perfectly, but it has other benefits which are used in endometriosis.
Is Cerelle good for endometriosis?
Cerelle is brilliant to use as a treatment for endometriosis due to its benefits other than preventing pregnancy. Clinical research studies have shown that progestogen-only contraceptives such as Cerelle are associated with improved period pain alongside less pelvic pain, more comfortable sex and a better quality of life overall! [1]
As mini-pills like Cerelle thin out the womb lining, they can also thin out and reduce the inflammation caused by endometrial deposits found outside the womb in the pelvis, therefore reducing the pain associated with endo. Pills such as Cerelle or other hormonal contraceptives are used as a first line treatment while you wait for more definitive treatments like surgery (if you choose this). Cerelle is also safe to use for the majority of women, so if you’re suffering with symptoms of endo, you can order the pill online from The Lowdown to give it a try.
If you’re still not convinced, check out our Cerelle reviews below from real users. You can even leave your own reviews, to share your experience with others like you.
Lighter periods
Periods with Cerelle and other mini pills can be lighter and less regular which is some relief for endo sufferers.
“I get light spotting from time to time but aside from that, it’s been a great pill for my periods!”
No periods
A huge 44% of the Lowdown users had no periods while taking the progestogen-only pill. No periods = no endo period pain which is only a good thing!
“I have endometriosis, have taken this pill for 10 years with no period, at all.”
Period cramps and pelvic pain
Perhaps one of the worst symptoms of endometriosis is the constant pain, but luckily Cerelle can also help women too.
“Cerelle has been much better than I expected. It has not affected my mood and the reduced sex drive is not as significant as with other pills. It's completely stopped my periods and helped improve my pelvic pain from endometriosis. My skin and acne are the same as without the pill - quite oily and acne prone.”
If you have a diagnosis of endometriosis or think you might, it’s important to get support, treatment and not to suffer alone. If you have any concerns about endometriosis and need someone who will really listen, speak to our women’s health doctors who are experts in advising the best contraceptive for you and your situation. If you think that’s Cerelle, then skip the queue and order Cerelle online through The Lowdown.
Tags
- Grandi, G., Barra, F., Ferrero, S. et al. (2019) Hormonal contraception in women with endometriosis: a systematic review. The European Journal Of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care 24(1), 61-70. Available at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30664383/
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence CKS Summary Endometriosis. February 2020. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/endometriosis/
- BMJ (2019) Endometriosis. BMJ Best Practice. http://www.bestpractice.bmj.com
One of The Lowdown’s fab Clinical Directors, Dr Frances Yarlett MBBCh (Hons) BSc (Hons) MRCP (2016) MRCGP DFSRH completed her medical training from Cardiff University in 2013. She is currently working as a salaried GP partner in Sheffield with an interest in complex medical patients and women’s health. Fran is really passionate about patient choice and wants to empower women to take control of their bodies and contraception needs.
