Endometriosis is a largely misunderstood and misrepresented women’s health condition. It is believed to affect 1 in 10 women around the world during their reproductive years, and can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms vary significantly from woman to woman.
If caught early, the symptoms of endometriosis can be managed and treated with early intervention. It is important to keep an open dialogue with your health care provider and mention any changes in your body, menstrual cycle, or symptoms during your visit.
Personalized Approach to Endometriosis Treatment
For some women, the pain associated with endometriosis can be excruciating, while for others the initial discomfort is minor and worsens with age. Because many of the symptoms of endometriosis can mimic more severe symptoms of a woman’s menstrual cycle, it can be difficult to make a definitive diagnosis at first.
A definitive diagnosis is made by surgical evaluation (Laparoscopy) and biopsy of the lesion of concern. Although diagnosed surgically, a combination of symptoms, signs, and imaging findings can be used to make a presumptive, nonsurgical diagnosis of endometriosis. Treatment can be started based on these findings without the need for surgery.
For each patient, Advantia Health providers offer compassionate care and effective treatment plans for endometriosis, ensuring a personalized approach to manage and alleviate associated symptoms.
Causes and Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common medical condition that primarily affects women of reproductive age (25-40). It occurs when cells that are normally found within the uterus begin to appear in other parts of the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the peritoneum (a thin tissue that lines the abdominal organs).
Over time, these cells cause scar tissue and adhesions to form which can cause the tissue layers of organs to attach to each other causing severe pain. Typically, a woman will only feel these symptoms during their menstrual cycle when these cells are stimulated as part of their period, but pain can be present at other times as well.
Risk Factors
There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to a woman’s chance of developing endometriosis including:
- Family history
- Never giving birth
- Early age at first period (before age 11 to 13 years)
- Later age at onset of menopause
- Shorter menstrual cycles (defined as ≤27 days)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Any medical condition that prevents the normal passage of menstrual flow out of the body
- Reproductive tract abnormalities
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol in utero
- Taller height
- Lower body mass index
Symptoms
Endometriosis will affect each woman differently. While some will experience no symptoms at all, others may notice heavy menstrual periods, cramps, back pain or painful intercourse (dyspareunia).
Other symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive bleeding
- Bleeding between periods
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Bloating
- Nausea
Most people with endometriosis have no symptoms. In some cases, symptoms may be present but they are so mild as to make the condition go completely unnoticed. For women who do experience symptoms, it is important to see your doctor.
Endometriosis Treatment and Advantia Health
At present, there is no known cure for endometriosis. However, the symptoms of endometriosis can be managed using a number of options, depending upon how early it is diagnosed. It may involve a combination of one or more of the following:
Medications
If you are having heavy bleeding and/or pelvic pain and aren’t desiring a pregnancy, you can use birth control pills and other forms of contraception, including the vaginal ring, IUD, hormones pills, or patches. You can also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in order to manage your pelvic pain. Birth control pills usually shrink the size of the implants and decrease pain from bleeding but, if this does not work, you may need surgery or a stronger type of pain medication or hormone treatment.
Some women report that the hormonal treatments reduce the pain but have side effects such as vaginal dryness, reduced sexual desire, and weight gain. An open conversation with your health care provider can lead to improvement in symptoms and reduce sex life impacts.
Surgery
If medical management is ineffective, you may need to have surgery. Surgery can remove the implants and any scar tissue you may have. Surgery for endometriosis is usually done using a laparoscope, which means you won’t have large scars from the surgery. Laparoscopic removal of the implants can reduce your level of pain, provide a diagnosis, and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
If you don’t wish to become pregnant and if your pain is severe, you may elect to have a hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy (removal of the uterus and ovaries). While it may result in an early menopause, it may be worth it if you are having extreme pain.
Infertility Treatment
If you are having a hard time getting pregnant, even after infertility surgery, you may wish to undergo fertility treatments. If these are necessary, Advantia providers can discuss the treatments and possibly refer you to specialist in reproductive, endocrinology, and infertility
Additional Techniques
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Meditation
- Exercise
- Lifestyle changes
Dietary Changes
On their own, dietary changes will not cure endometriosis. However, some studies have shown that they can have a beneficial impact on symptoms.
The role of diet in endometriosis has gained more attention in recent years since it has been observed that diet, endometriosis and inflammation may be linked. For that reason, it has been suggested that an anti-inflammatory diet may be one way to help combat the symptoms of endometriosis.
The items below follow the guidelines of an anti-inflammatory diet and may help reduce your symptoms.
Eat and drink more of the following:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: cold water fish (salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel) and fish oils, ground flax seeds or flax leafy green vegetables
- Low-glycemic foods
- Low-glycemic fruits: berries, cherries, apples, pears
- Foods high in antioxidants: yellow, orange, and red vegetables, dark leafy greens (spinach, Romaine lettuce)
- Vegetable proteins: soybeans, beans, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds
- Complex carbohydrates: whole grains, brown rice, bulgur wheat, sweet potatoes
- Beverages: water, tea (white, green, black, Oolong)
- Daily Magnesium Glycinate or Threonate
Eat and drink less of the following:
- Animal and dairy proteins (they contain arachidonic acid which increases inflammation)
- Meat, especially red meat
- Dairy (except high quality cheese and yogurt)
- Simple carbohydrates: gluten and wheat, white flour products, crackers, chips, pastries, other snack foods
- Saturated and trans fats: butter, cream, high-fat cheese
- Highly processed foods: foods with a long shelf life (chips, crackers)
- Beverages: Alcohol
The providers at Advantia Health are here to answer your frequently asked questions about women’s health, including concerns about endometriosis and its treatment. Contact Advantia to book an appointment if you are experiencing the symptoms listed above.
