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The causes of endometriosis are unknown, but there are certain signs of endometriosis that can let you know if you have the condition.
Endometriosis is a disorder which causes the growth of tissue similar to the lining of your uterus outside the uterine cavity. Since the lining of your uterus is called the endometrium, the condition has been named as endometriosis.
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue develops on your ovaries, bowel, and pelvic tissues. Endometrial-like tissue rarely spreads beyond the pelvic region, but it is not impossible.
The hormonal changes brought about by your menstrual cycle will affect the misplaced endometrial tissue and make the area inflamed and painful during periods. It will get bigger, thicker, and eventually fall apart. The decomposing tissue builds up in your pelvis because it has nowhere else to go.
In this article, we will learn all about this disorder, the signs of endometriosis, how it can affect your menstrual cycle and more.
Causes of Endometriosis
We do not know exactly what causes endometriosis. The condition is diagnosed by looking at the signs of endometriosis.
Your tissues will look like your uterine lining is growing in all the wrong places if you have endometriosis. It can cause distressing signs and symptoms when it forms on the exterior of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, intestine, or anywhere else in the pelvic region.
Increased inflammation, and sometimes fibrosis and adhesions, are to blame for this pain. Scar tissue can form if endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus (adhesions). These scar tissue patches have the potential to fuse your organs, forming new pathways between them and may result in discomfort and pain.
Signs of Endometriosis
There are many signs of endometriosis that indicate the condition. One of the major signs of endometriosis is pain. Discomfort can range from severe to mild. Typical locations for discomfort are the belly, pelvis, and lower back. Endometriosis is quite common, but not everyone who has it will experience symptoms. Endometriosis may not be diagnosed until another procedure is performed or infertility is further investigated.
People who do experience symptoms of endometriosis may have:
- Menstrual cramps can be very painful.
- Period or intermenstrual pain in the abdomen or back.
- Sexual discomfort.
- Abnormally heavy menstrual flow or light bleeding in between periods.
- Infertility (difficulty in conception).
Constipation and abdominal pain are some uncommon symptoms of endometriosis.
The severity of endometriosis has nothing to do with the severity of the signs of endometriosis. Even if only a few areas of the body are affected by endometriosis, the resulting pain can be excruciating. Some people with severe endometriosis may not experience severe pain.
What are the first Signs of Endometriosis?
Having endometriosis is a common cause of painful periods for many women. Stomach, lower back, and pelvic pain are common locations for this kind of discomfort. In addition to the possibility of heavier-than-usual periods, some women experience spotting (light bleeding) in between their regular periods.
Treatment of Endometriosis
If you are experiencing signs of endometriosis, you should consult a doctor about this and never, ever try self medication.
A number of considerations will go into the treatment plan you and your healthcare provider make for endometriosis.
- how bad your endometriosis is.
- What you anticipate will happen with future pregnancies.
- How old you are.
- How bad your symptoms are (often pain).
- Your treatment plan's primary goals will likely be pain relief and addressing fertility issues (if you are planning on a future pregnancy). These are achievable through medications and surgery.
Medication is commonly used to manage the discomfort associated with endometriosis. These can include pain medications and hormone therapies.
Hormonal therapies for suppressing the signs of endometriosis can include:
1) Birth control: Many hormonal suppression options include a combination of drugs like estrogen and progesterone, or progesterone only. Oral birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, birth control shots, Nexplanon implants and IUD options are available as treatments. These can help people have lighter, less painful periods. However, those who plan to get pregnant or are attempting to get pregnant should not use these treatments.
2) Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) medication: This medication is used to put your menstrual cycle on hold. As a temporary measure to lessen discomfort, this medication essentially stops your reproductive process from happening. It is generally taken as an oral pill (by mouth), shot or a nasal spray.
3) Danazol (Danocrine®): This hormonal medication inhibits the synthesis of the hormones that trigger menstruation. While undergoing this treatment, you may have the occasional menstrual period, or they might stop entirely.
Keep in mind that if you suddenly stop taking any of these medications, your symptoms may return. In pregnancy or while trying to conceive, you shouldn't take these drugs. You should discuss these and other options with your healthcare provider before starting any form of treatment.
