I blog a lot about Endometriosis, because living with this chronic, incurable illness is hard. I hope you take a moment to read up on this disease and learn a little thing or two.
So what is endometriosis anyways?
Endometriosis, or "endo" for short, is a disorder of the pelvis that affects millions of women worldwide. Endometriosis is characterized by the lining of the uterus- called the endometrium- growing outside of the uterus on other abdominal structures.
Endometriosis is in the top three reasons for infertility in women. It is commonly misdiagnosed and left untreated, often resulting in chronic pain, infertility, and digestive problems.
Endometriosis responds to menses just like the lining of the uterus does. So when a woman gets her period, the endometrial implants swell and bleed, causing severe pain and discomfort. Pain during menses is common with endometriosis patients, but pain can also be experienced throughout the month.
Endometriosis is destructive to a woman's health. Pelvic adhesions (the binding of internal organs) can occur with endometriosis, along with a weakened immune system, digestive disorders, infertility, anxiety, and much more.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
Endometriosis can only be diagnosed during a pelvic laparoscopy. Ultrasounds and physical exams cannot determine wether or not a woman is suffering from endometriosis. Because the disease can only be diagnosed in surgery, it is often left undiagnosed and untreated.
Endometriosis can sometimes lead to the formation of "endometriomas"- large, blood filled cysts in the pelvis. These cysts can be seen in ultrasound examinations, and if large enough, will often be removed surgically.
How is endometriosis treated?
There is no cure for endometriosis, but it is treated in a number of different ways.
Common forms of treatment include:
Hormone treatment: using hormones, like the pill or an IUD to regulate hormones and slow the growth of the endometriosis. Lupron, or Leuprolide, is a drug used in severe cases. Lupron is a hormonal injection administered monthly, putting a woman into menopause. The hormonal shutdown is supposed to stop the growth of the endometriosis, though the side effects of this cancer-treating drug are extreme.
Pain management: doctors often prescribe NSAIDs, narcotics, and/or anti-inflammatory drugs to regulate the pain associated with endometriosis.
Diet: some women try altering their diet to balance their hormones and ease their pain. A diet high in fibres and low in carbohydrates, sugars, and fat can help reduce pelvic pain. Estrogen is stored in fat, and endometriosis feeds off estrogen. Theoretically, less fat on the body means less estrogen, which means less pain. Theoretically.
What can I do?
Because endometriosis is an "invisible illness" (well you don't look sick...) it can be incredibly frustrating for the person suffering. Remember that this disease is known to cause grinding fatigue that is comparable to patients with advanced cancer. If your loved one has endometriosis, or any chronic illness for that matter, do not call them lazy. Many pain killers can cause drowsiness as well, so if your loved one is having a bad day, let them stay in bed and offer to get them a hot water bottle. Your understanding and support is the best thing you have to offer to an endometriosis patient. Far too often, women with this disease are given "advice" from just about everybody. And you wanna know something? My invisible illness is a helluva lot more real than your imaginary medical degree. "Grin and bear it" is the motto of endo-girls, and giving us your love and patience means the world to us, it really does.
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