Endometriosis - Let's make a difference!

Let's start with some basics for those who are new to all this .....

What is endometriosis? This is a disease that affects women and girls, mainly in their reproductive years - from the start of menstruation and can go right through to the menopause. It is a gynaecological condition that causes painful periods and heavy bleeding as the main symptoms. It is caused by the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells) around the pelvic cavity. These cells are similar to those found in the lining of the womb called endometrial cells.

Development of the disease Endometriosis develops when the endometrial cells become implanted around the pelvic cavity and on the surface of other organs in the pelvic cavity and continue to grow. These stray cells behave the same way as the cells in the lining of the womb and respond to the hormones of your monthly cycle. In response to hormones and the menstrual cycle these cells thicken, then break down with your period. However, as there is nowhere for these cells to go, they become trapped. This process is then repeated every month and these cells become larger and then develop into endometriosis, causing cysts, adhesions and scar tissue.

What are the Symptoms? The most common symptoms are pelvic pain, and heavier periods. The number of days that pain occurs can also increase and some women have reported being in pain most of the month. It is also common to have pain with urination, pain with bowel movements, and pain with intercourse. The common early signs and symptoms of the disease include: painful periods and heavy bleeding diarrhoea and constipation pain in lower abdomen periods more frequent and irregular bleeding feeling generally run down

How is the disease Diagnosed? There are various tests used to diagnose endometriosis. However, the only way to get a confirmed diagnosis is by surgery with a procedure called Laparoscopy, where the surgeon can visible see the implants or cysts of endometriosis in the pelvic cavity. In the early stages of presenting your symptoms to a health care provider, a physical exam including a pelvic exam will be performed. There can be many problems obtaining a true diagnosis, as this disease has similar symptoms to various other health problems including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and IBS being the most common.

What treatments are available? There are various surgical and drug treatments for endometriosis, and the choice of treatment is usually determined by the severity of the disease. The most common treatments offered include: Pain management drugs Birth control Pill - which is prescribed for continual use for 6 to 9 months to stop further growth Hormone drugs which work by stopping periods and halting the further growth of implants Surgery to remove implants, cysts, and any adhesions that may have developed - usually performed with laparoscopy surgery Hysterectomy - offered as treatment for the disease, but often the disease can come back, especially if hormone replacement therapy is given, as the drugs containing hormones will 'feed' the disease.

Natural Treatments for endometriosis Using natural treatments is gradually gaining more interest and in many cases can provide long term success. This successes can include total reduction in symptoms, being able to achieve full term pregnancy, and returning to normal activities in life. The use of natural treatments can include: Diet and nutrition Homoeopathy Herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture - especially helpful for pain Naturopathic treatment

If you suspect you have endometriosis you need to get diagnosed as soon as possible, because the longer this disease is left unchecked, the more damage it will do. If your symptoms are not being taken seriously by your health care provider, then you need to seek a second opinion.

For some women it has taken years to get diagnosed. This usually happens because painful periods are seen as 'normal'. Your pain is real, and your periods should not be a time to be dreaded.

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Copyright (C) - All rights reserved - 2013
By Carolyn Levett

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