Ep 18: Is the Pill Just a Band-Aid? We take a comprehensive look at hormone treatment for pelvic pain with Women's Health GP Dr Jessica Floreani

Is the pill just a band-aid for pelvic pain and endometriosis? It’s a question many patients ask, and one that comes up again and again in clinics and online.In this episode of Endo Untangled, Dr Alecia Macrow and Cherie Noble are joined by women’s health GP Dr Jessica Floreani to unpack how hormonal treatments actually work. From the basics of the menstrual cycle through to combined pills, progestogen-only options, ovulation suppression and withdrawal bleeds, this conversation explores why these treatments are used and what they are trying to achieve.They also tackle some common misconceptions around “synthetic hormones”, why one pill can feel completely different from another, and why finding the right option is often a process of trial and adjustment. A practical, thoughtful episode for anyone navigating pelvic pain, endometriosis or heavy periods.In this episode we discuss• How estrogen and progesterone drive the menstrual cycle• Why endometrial tissue responds to hormones• How hormonal treatments help manage pelvic pain and bleeding• Why different pills contain different progestogens• Combined pills vs progestogen-only options• Why one pill may suit someone while another does notOur guestDr Jessica Floreani is a specialist women’s health GP and director of Aware Women’s Health in Adelaide. She has extensive experience in contraception, endometriosis care and women’s health education, and has previously worked with SHINE SA as a LARC coordinator and medical educator.More about Dr Jess: https://www.awarewomenshealth.com.au/jessica-floreani