u/Clean-Sector6970

I am 30F with 2 children. Last year I was diagnosed with HS when I had a boil in my armpit that got infected and required surgical removal. Recovery from that was rough, I had to have a wound vac and heal it from the inside out. Took several months.

I haven’t had any bad flare ups like that since surgery almost a year ago. I’ve noticed my HS is much worse around my luteal phase and period, so likely hormonal. I also have PMDD (hormonal).

I have also been dealing with (possible) endometriosis pain for the last 9 months or so. I say possible because I am in the process of trying to get diagnosed. My doctor very much suspects endo is real for me.

That being said, I have two questions:

1. Has an anti-inflammatory lifestyle (exercise and diet) helped you with HS/endo flares?
2. Has hormonal birth control helped with HS/endo flares?

I have never taken birth control before. I’ve always been nervous about it. I wonder if anyone here has had any experience with either or both. Thank you.

Basically what it says. I had an appointment with my GP this morning to address the pelvic pain I’ve been having (heavy periods, contraction-level cramp pain, left-sided pelvic pain that makes it difficult to walk, pain affecting my daily life, fatigue, the list goes on). She ordered a CT scan for me. I’ve never had one before. I do suspect that I have endo based in my symptoms and that I’ve had these symptoms since I was 12 (I’m now 30). Is a CT scan helpful for diagnosis? Or are we just ruling out other things like a mass?

Edit: I live in the US if that’s helpful.