What is endometriosis?
You have probably heard about it without really knowing what it is: endometriosis is a systemic, chronic, and inflammatory disease that is still not well understood. It is characterized by the development of tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) outside the uterus. This causes inflammation and the formation of scar tissue in the pelvic region and sometimes beyond. Endometriosis can appear from the first menstruation and may persist after menopause.
Discovered in 1860, researchers have had plenty of time to study it. But long considered a "female whim," it has only recently been taken seriously. Yet no, it is not "normal" to have severe pain during your period! Here are some explanations to better understand this disease that affects 15 to 20% of menstruating women .
Endometriosis: a disease directly linked to the menstrual cycle
The lining that covers the uterine wall is called the endometrium. It is shed each month during menstruation after thickening throughout the cycle to prepare for a potential fertilized egg. When a woman has endometriosis, this tissue migrates and develops in other parts of the body:
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Commonly, in the genital system: ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus, and the ligaments that support it
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Less commonly, in nearby organs: bladder, kidneys, intestines
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In extreme cases, throughout the body: lungs, upper and lower limbs.
Wherever it is located in the body, endometrial tissue reacts the same way to the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. When menstruation starts, the tissue breaks down and bleeds in all the places where it has settled. While blood can easily exit the uterus because it is designed for that, it is more complicated for the other parts of the body mentioned above.
The causes of endometriosis are poorly understood. Genetic factors or immune system disorders could be responsible. It is also thought that some endometrial cells implant where they shouldn’t due to retrograde flow when the uterus contracts to expel blood: instead of flowing down through the cervix, the blood tends to flow backward. Finally, it is believed that cells can circulate through the blood and lymphatic system.
Symptoms of endometriosis
The consequences of endometrial tissue in inappropriate places vary. Here is a list of known symptoms:
- Dysmenorrhea (severe menstrual pain)
- Dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse)
- Dyschezia (pain during bowel movements)
- Dysuria (difficulty urinating or pain during urination)
In addition to these major symptoms, endometriosis can cause other issues such as migraines, chronic fatigue, menorrhagia (heavy periods), digestive and urinary problems, as well as infertility, which affects 30 to 40% of cases.
Infertility is sometimes linked to more or less advanced endometriosis. Tissue growing outside the uterus prevents eggs from reaching their destination, so fertilization cannot occur. Since the disease can sometimes be asymptomatic, a woman may not realize she has it until a fertility test.
How to relieve pain caused by endometriosis?
Menopause puts an end to endometriosis. But fortunately, other solutions can be considered to relieve women suffering from this often very painful disease.
Prevention
Research is ongoing, and the following information should be taken with caution. However, following these recommendations can only benefit you. It seems that a healthy lifestyle can reduce endometriosis symptoms: engaging in physical activity, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 (walnuts, flax seeds, mackerel…). It is also advised to limit consumption of red meat and ham.
Medical treatment
Currently, there is no curative treatment for endometriosis. Even removal of the uterus may not be enough because cells continue to appear and circulate in the body. The first step when pain is disabling is, of course, to consult a gynecologist who will truly listen to your situation. They can prescribe three types of treatment:
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Anti-inflammatory drugs
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Hormonal treatments: continuous contraceptive pill, special intrauterine device coated with a progestin, regular injections that induce temporary menopause
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Surgical treatments: removal of endometrial growths, removal of the uterus and ovaries to inhibit hormonal stimulation. This last option is definitive but eliminates any possibility of having children.
Other more alternative solutions can be considered. By reading Annabelle’s interview, you will discover how she resolved the endometriosis problem that was ruining her life.
By Émilie.
