Endometriosis

Painful menstrual cycles caused by uterus tissue growing outside womb.

Take Symptoms Quiz

The endometrium is the tissue that lines the womb or uterus which is a healthy and necessary tissue in the female body.

Endometriosis results from this tissue growing in other parts of the body such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the outer regions of the uterus.

Table of Contents

Symptoms
Statistics
Diagnosis
Medical Solutions
Alternate Solutions
Impact on COVID-19
Mental Health

SYMPTOMS

Pain and Inflammation (Most Common)

  • Pelvic Pain

    Pelvic pain is often the first symptom to arise and is the most prevalent form of discomfort associated with endometriosis. This pain can be due to endometrial tissue scarring over which can result in a nodule (a hard lump) which is sensitive and painful to the touch. These nodules can form in the uterus, cervix, or pelvic cavities which can lead to sharp pains during sexual activity.

  • Painful Cramps

    Dysmenorrhea or overly painful menstrual cramps are another form of pain that can occur. This can be a difficult symptom to notice because it can be difficult to discern whether menstrual cramps are “overly” painful or typically painful. One indicator of dysmenorrhea is menstrual cramping and pelvic pain that begins earlier in the menstrual cycle than usual.

  • Abdominal Pain

    Lower back pain/abdominal pain have been frequently reported to accompany endometriosis as well.

Pain with Bodily Functions

  • Pain during Intercourse

    Pain during and/or after intercourse is a very common symptom of endometriosis. This is because endometrial growth can cause lesions, nodules, and/or cysts to form inside the uterus and other areas of the female reproductive systems. Penetration can increase agitation of these internal injuries.

  • Pain with Bowel Movements/ Urination

    Pain can accompanying bowel movements and/or urination. Similarly to penetration, evacuation of bodily fluids and/or waste can cause agitation of internal injuries which are caused by endometriosis. The fallopian tubes, urethra, and bowels are all in close proximity to the female reproductive systems and as a result the entering or exiting of anything via these passages can cause pain.

Infertility

  • Infertility / Reproductive Issues

    Endometriosis is sometimes first diagnosed when individuals seek treatment for infertility. The endometrial tissue can grow in many places within the reproductive system and as a result can damage or dysfunction of the uterus and ovaries (the organs primarily responsible for child bearing and birth).

Bleeding Problems

  • Heavy Menstrual Flow

    Heavy menstrual flow (increased menstrual bleeding) is a common symptom of endometriosis. The growth of endometrial tissue increases the total amount of the tissue in the body, and during menstruation this tissue swells and bleeds. This is a normal function of menstruation, however, with an increased amount of tissue the amount of blood expelled from the body increases as well.

  • Bleeding Between Periods

    Bleeding/spotting between periods (intermenstrual bleeding) is a symptom of endometriosis as well.

Digestive Problems

  • Bowel and Gastronomical Issues

    Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and bloating are symptoms which may indicate endometriosis. These symptoms are associated with many diseases and illnesses and so it may be difficult to attribute them to endometriosis. One possible specification that aids in identification is that these symptoms will be heightened during the menstruation period.

Take our symptoms quiz

You're not alone!

150 million
Women worldwide
5 million
Americans

DIAGNOSIS

Pelvic Exams

  • Manually feeling for scars and cysts in the pelvic region. This is typically most effective on larger scars and cysts because smaller abnormalities are difficult to notice.

Ultrasounds

  • Another testing method which allows a doctor to see what is not externally visible in or on your body. Ultrasounds are typically conducted by pressing the imaging machinery against the abdomen or inside the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound) to create resonance images. The images can be interpreted to find cysts caused by or related to endometriosis.

MRIs

  • An imaging method similar to an ultrasound. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to a similar effect as an ultrasound.

Laparoscopy

  • A surgical procedure in which a doctor creates incisions to look inside the pelvic area. This is done to determine whether there is endometrial tissue growing beyond its natural boundaries. Often, a biopsy (small excision) of the tissue may be performed to confirm that it is endometrial tissue. This is currently the only medical procedure that can confidently determine if an individual has endometriosis.

SOLUTIONS

TRADITIONAL SOLUTIONS

Birth Control

  • Manually feeling for scars and cysts in the pelvic region. This is typically most effective on larger scars and cysts because smaller abnormalities are difficult to notice.

Ultrasounds

  • Another testing method which allows a doctor to see what is not externally visible in or on your body. Ultrasounds are typically conducted by pressing the imaging machinery against the abdomen or inside the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound) to create resonance images. The images can be interpreted to find cysts caused by or related to endometriosis.

MRIs

  • An imaging method similar to an ultrasound. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to a similar effect as an ultrasound.

Laparoscopy

  • A surgical procedure in which a doctor creates incisions to look inside the pelvic area. This is done to determine whether there is endometrial tissue growing beyond its natural boundaries. Often, a biopsy (small excision) of the tissue may be performed to confirm that it is endometrial tissue. This is currently the only medical procedure that can confidently determine if an individual has endometriosis.

ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

Haritaki

  • Haritaki is an herb native to many places in southeast asia including India, China, and Sri Lanka. Terminalia Chebula Retz, the scientific name for haritaki, is considered to be the most elite of ayurvedic medicines for its therapeutic properties. It is often used externally in a salve to treat wounds, infections, and mucous membrane inflammation (throat). It is consumed to treat skin aging and to flush out the system (namely stomach). It is also notably used to treat coughs and other respiratory problems. There are six or seven variations of the fruit and each one has unique properties and treatment uses.

Triphala

  • Triphala is made from three small fruits/herbs: amla (indian gooseberry), bibhitaki, and haritaki. This preparation is typically used to relieve inflammation of the joints as well as abdominal pain related to digestive disorders. Triphala has also been studied as a treatment for breast cancer. One study observed the preparation to induce apoptosis (self-destruction) of certain breast cancer cells. There was a negative proportional relationship between increasing doses of triphala and this subtype of breast cancer cells. There are similarities between female specific cancers such as breast cancer and endometriosis. This is because both breast cancer and endometriosis are estrogen-dependent chronic diseases. While there is not a surplus of medical research on the relatedness of these conditions, there is some research on how hormone therapy affects patients suffering from both of these conditions, there is some research on how hormone therapy affects patients suffering from both of these diseases. Consider if some of the hormone based treatments for breast cancer could be relevant and effective for those suffering from endometriosis.

Sonamukhi Churna

  • Sonamukhi Churna, also known as Senna, is primarily a laxative used to aid in proper bowel evacuation. This may be helpful for people with endometriosis as painful bowel movements are a common symptom. Senna may help loosen stool so that evacuation is less abrasive.

Shatavari

  • Shatavari, a species of asparagus plant, grows at high altitudes in regions such as the Himalayas. This plant is rich in phytoestrogens similar to soybeans. Phytoestrogens are structurally similar to human estrogen. Estrogen receptors (ER) can accept phytoestrogens in place of estrogen if it is not being produced normally. This can have uses for downregulation and upregulation of estrogen. Helpful analogy: Phytoestrogen is to estrogen as lotion is to natural face oil. If someone applies lotion (similar to the oils on our face) it can moisturize the skin making it less dry. Simultaneously, if a person’s skin is very oily, when they shower and remove all of the oil the skin produces even more oil to counteract this. By applying lotion after a shower, a person with oily skin will downregulate oil production by maintaining regular oil levels.

Brahmi

  • Brahmi is an herb known to be used as treatment for anxiety, increasing intellect, and improving memory. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Beyond these speculated uses, it is researched and proven to be extremely rich in antioxidants.

Boswellia

  • Boswellia is a spice made from the resin of the Boswellia Serrata tree. This ayurvedic medicine has been used for a plethora of reliefs and treatments, however, in the context of endometriosis it is most notably used for its anti-inflammatory properties.[1] The typical medicine consists of an extract made from the resin and it will have similar effects to NSAIDS (such as ibuprofen). *It is important to note that in higher doses this medicine can be toxic.

COVID-19 IMPACT

  • ENDOMETRIOSIS PATIENTS:

    In some capacities people with endometriosis are at high risk for contacting COVID-19. Although endometriosis is not classified as an autoimmune disease, endometriosis can diminish the body’s ability to fight sickness/illness. This is especially true for people with thoracic endometriosis who have had lung surgeries, because of this COVID is a threat and they must take extra precautions to limit exposure. Overall, endometriosis does not increase the risk of contracting COVID for a person, that strictly depends on the state of their immune system and their interactions with the virus.

MENTAL HEALTH

There are links between female reproductive disorders and mental health. Hormones play a considerable role in regulating our body and they communicate with many glands and parts of our body using chemical messengers. When those are imbalanced or disrupted, it can wreak havoc on other systems within our body, such as the brain. Hormonal imbalances can alter brain chemistry/function due to adrenal cortisol levels that rise in endometriosis patients. Neurotransmitter including serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine interact with hormones.

Often knowledge and experience can be the most valuable tools for improving and maintaining positive mental health. Listed below are some common ways (many more unmentioned) in which endometriosis can affect mental health.

- Women report feeling ashamed for their suffering and symptoms; they feel like a burden.

- Infertility is a symptom, and many women experience guilt in their relationships and are under pressure to “correct” their bodies.

- Women with endometriosis are more likely to develop depression and anxiety. This is largely because endometriosis causes irregular hormone levels, and fluctuating estrogen levels have been reported to causes brain fog, irritability, and mood swings.

- Severe pain in the pelvic, vaginal, and stomach region can debilitate their everyday activities.

RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Support

  • Support groups can help relieve mental stresses and pains. Talking with people who share your experience may remove burdens and be educational. The fastest and easiest way to find support groups is most likely on social media and the internet. Therapy can be simply sharing your experience and talking with others (similar to the support group example above). For the greatest efficacy and most comprehensive, it is recommended that you communicate with a professional about your endometriosis experiences.

Antidepressants

  • Antidepressants, such as Sertraline, Lexapro, Prozac and others can aid in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. It is important to note that (~99%) these medicines are prescription drugs. It is solely up to you and your physician or primary care to evaluate and prescribe these medications. Your doctor may be unaware of your symptoms, so it is important to bring these issues to their attention.

Holistic Approach

  • Vitamins and supplements have also been known to improve mental health and provide relief. These methods are not always effective or researched, but some vitamins and supplements have been researched to have proven effects. Some vitamins which have been researched: Vitamin B6, D, E, C. Probiotics are a medical treatment for mental health issues. Similar to antidepressants, probiotics are prescribed by a doctor because they must determine if these treatments are right for you. Bring it up with your doctor/care provider if you believe you’re in need of this treatment.

Join Our Community
Post on global forum
READ OUR BLOG

Want more?

Visit Dweebs Global
Follow Our IG
Donate