28/03/2022
Endometriosis Awareness Month is coming to an end, but this inflammatory condition will continue to affect one in 9 women worldwide and remains a significant cause of infertility. When it takes up to 6.5 years to get a diagnosis, it's no wonder women suffer quietly, losing days of work and school to cope with the pain.
Common signs of Endometriosis include
β’ Pain with your period
β’ Pain during &/or after in*******se
β’ Pain passing urine
β’ Lower back pain and leg pain
β’ Heavy &/or irregular bleeding
β’ Pain on ovulation
β’ Fatigue
β’ Nausea
β’ Constipation &/or diarrhea, and 'Endobelly' bloating
The gold standard of diagnosis is a laparoscopy, where the lesions are identified and often removed as treatment. An ultrasound can also identify endometriosis lesions; however, lesions can be missed, resulting in ongoing pain.
The 'endometrial like' tissue found outside the uterus is inflammatory and influenced by cycling estrogen. Endometriosis can have a genetic component, affecting girls when they commence their cycle; it can also come from retrograde menstruation.
So what to do if you think you have Endometriosis?
Firstly look at your environment. Pesticides and dioxins are known to increase the risk of developing the condition. Address gut health by assessing and removing foods you are sensitive to, such as gluten and dairy. It may not be forever, but taking out triggers is vital. The gut is one of the main avenues of detoxification for our hormones, so it is essential to ensure it is working well. Then look at your hormones to investigate their balance.
Also, find a practitioner willing to listen and explore further. Extreme pain with or without your cycle is not 'normal'.