She Strengthens

The Painful Truth About Endometriosis

Are you tired of dealing with excruciating period pain? You’re not alone. Endometriosis, a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, affects millions of women worldwide. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1 in 10 women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis.

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows on organs outside the uterus, such as the ovaries, bowel, or pelvic tissue. In rare cases, it can even spread to areas like the urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, or chest. This rogue tissue can cause pain, inflammation, and scarring, leading to a range of symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

Pelvic pain before or during periods
Heavy bleeding during periods
Bleeding between periods
Painful periods
Pain after sex
Pain while pooping
Lower back pain
Leg pain

Theories Behind Endometriosis

While the exact cause of endometriosis remains unknown, researchers have several theories:

Retrograde menstruation: Menstrual blood flowing back into the pelvic cavity
Abdominal tissue transformation: Cells in the abdomen changing into endometrial tissue
Hormonal problems: Hormones transforming cells outside the uterus into endometrial cells
Lymphatic system issues: Endometrial cells carried out of the uterus via the lymphatic system
Genetics: Endometriosis may be hereditary
Surgery complications: Endometrial cells attaching to scar tissue after surgery
Immune system conditions: Conditions like hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis linked to endometriosis

Who’s at Risk?

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing endometriosis:

Family history of endo
No previous childbirth
Abnormal menstrual cycles
Starting your period before age 11
Health conditions like ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and certain autoimmune disorders

Stages of Endometriosis

There are four stages of endometriosis, classified based on the size, amount, depth, and location of endometrial tissue:

Stage 1: Minimal – Small lesions or wounds on the ovary and shallow endometrial implants
Stage 2: Mild – Shallow endometrial implants and light lesions on the ovary and pelvic lining
Stage 3: Moderate – Deep implants on the ovaries and pelvic lining, with more lesions
Stage 4: Severe – Deep endometrial implants on the ovaries and pelvic lining, with lesions on the bowels or fallopian tubes

Getting a Diagnosis

To diagnose endometriosis, your doctor may perform:

Pelvic exam
Ultrasound
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Laparoscopy (minor surgery to look for endo signs)

Treatment Options

While there’s no cure for endometriosis, treatment can help manage symptoms:

OTC pain meds
Hormone therapy
Conservative surgery (laparoscopy to remove growths)
Hysterectomy (removing reproductive organs, usually as a last resort)

Complications and Support

Endometriosis can lead to complications like infertility, depression, anxiety, and increased risk of ovarian cancer. It’s essential to talk to your doctor if you experience severe pain, unexpected bleeding, or new symptoms.

Remember, you’re not alone in this fight. Joining support groups and talking to a licensed therapist can help you cope with the emotional toll of endometriosis.

Resources

Endometriosis Foundation of America’s blog
Bloomin’ Uterus
QENDO
Endometriosis News

Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor about your period pain, and take control of your endometriosis journey.