Endometriosis is a problem affecting a woman’s uterus – the place where a baby grows when she’s pregnant. Endometriosis is when the kind of tissue that normally lines the uterus grows somewhere else. It can grow on the ovaries, behind the uterus or on the bowels or bladder. Rarely, it grows in other parts of the body.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Dysmenorrhea – Painful, sometimes disabling menstrual cramps; pain may get worse over time (progressive pain)
Chronic pelvic pain – typically accompanied by lower back pain and/or abdominal pain.
Dyspareunia – Painful sex
Dyschezia – Painful bowel movements
Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
If a girl notices these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that she has endometriosis. Lots of other things — like an infection — may cause similar symptoms. But it’s important to see a doctor right away if you notice these symptoms. If you haven’t been examined by a gynecologist for the first time yet, this is a good time.
What causes endometriosis?
Experts do not know what causes endometrial tissue to grow outside your uterus. But they do know that the female hormone estrogen makes the problem worse. Women have high levels of estrogen during their childbearing years. It is during these years-usually from their teens into their 40s-that women have endometriosis. Estrogen levels drop when menstrual periods stop (menopause).
Another possibility is that areas lining the pelvic organs possess primitive cells that are able to grow into other forms of tissue, such as endometrial cells. (This process is termed coelomic metaplasia.)
The endometrium is at its thinnest immediately following menstruation and thickens during the first 2 weeks of your menstrual cycle as a result of increasing levels of the hormone progesterone.
Diagnosing endometriosis
There is no simple test that can be used to diagnose endometriosis. In fact, the only reliable way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is by performing a laparoscopy and to take a biopsy of the tissue. This is what is known as “the golden standard”.
However, this is an expensive, invasive proceduce. Furthermore, if the surgeon is not a specialist in endometriosis s/he may not recognise the disease, which can result in a “negative” diagnosis.
CA125 Test is a blood test that checks levels of a blood protein known as CA125, which is a tumor marker for certain gynecological cancers, but is also used to detect a specific protein found in the blood of women who have endometriosis. However, it is important to note that CA125 levels also may be increased during pregnancy, menstruation and in the presence of other non-cancerous gynecologic diseases or cancers.
Endometriosis – Treatment
Endometriosis symptoms, no pregnancy plans
If you have endometrial pain or bleeding and no immediate plans to become pregnant, birth control hormones (patch, pills, or ring) or anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may be all that you need to control pain. Birth control hormones help shrink endometrial tissue and reduce pain for most women.
Hormonal therapy using progesterone medications are another effective treatment for endometriosis. Progesterone pills or injections can be used. However, side effects can be a problem for some women. The possible side effects include depression, weight gain, and spotting of blood.
Anti-gonadotropin drugs such as Synarel and Depo Lupron prevent the ovary from producing estrogen. Potential side effects of these drugs include menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes), vaginal dryness, mood changes, and early loss of calcium from the bones.
Watch video related to endometriosis treatment
www.youcangetpregnant.com Treatment of Endometriosis and infertility with free video tips and strategies. A Great resource for couple trying to get pregnant.
Help answer the question about endometriosis treatment
Pelvic Pain, from endometriosis, therapy treatment needed, help?I'm having pelvic pain, I originally had a laparoscopy in August done to remove endometriosis. I went to the gynecologist last week, who told me that she could feel my tailbone through the back part of my vagina. Yikes, it hurts to say the least. I am going back to the doctor next week to start some sort of therapy treatment, whatever that involves I'm not sure, does anyone have any information on this? Or experience/knowledge? Thank You.
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My sister had this disorder and ended up with a hysterectomy about 20 years ago. I have read that estrogen dominance is suspected of being the culprit of endometriosis and other female complaints. You might try to find an endocrinologist who specializes in female troubles. A good book to read about this is Suzanne Somers "The Sexy Years" even though you are far from being in the age group this book is about, it is still very interesting to read about how hormones affect women.
It is important to also have enough calcium in your system. Calcium helps to regulate PMS symptoms and so I would be on a good calcium supplement (2000mg daily) if I were you.
I am not a doctor, but I do read a lot and study these things. I would hope that you would look deeper into this issue so that you can get real help and not end up like my sister with a hysterectomy at a young age. Be proactive. Learn all you can to help yourself. Education and knowledge is empowerment. Be empowered by finding what you can do to help yourself. There is a doctor out there who will be able to help.
Another great resource is "Let's Play Doctor" by Dr. Joel Wallach and Ma Lin. It is available either at your library or on the inter-library loan system.
Stay away from soy as much as possible as soy is full of phyto-estrogens (plant-based estrogen).
I wish you luck.
get a second opinion