Endometriosis is chronic, painful and debilitating. Many women are unaware of this condition despite its far reaching impact on their health and wellness. Here’s what you need to know.
Key Facts about Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic and often painful disorder in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. Despite its prevalence, endometriosis is frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed, leaving many to suffer in silence.
Understanding the early symptoms of endometriosis is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
The earlier you diagnose this condition, the better you may be able to manage it.
Endometriosis can escalate to stage 4 severity
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, often affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining. In rare cases, it can spread beyond the pelvic region. During the menstrual cycle, this tissue responds to hormonal changes, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pain.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) classification, there are four stages of endometriosis: Stage 1 (minimal), Stage 2 (mild), Stage 3 (moderate), and Stage 4 (severe)
This is what you need to know about each stage:
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Based on severity:
The stages are categorized based on the extent and depth of endometrial tissue implants, the presence of adhesions, and the size of ovarian endometriomas.
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Not always correlated with symptoms:
A higher stage does not always mean more severe symptoms, as some women with Stage 1 can experience significant pain while others with Stage 4 may have minimal symptoms.
Are You at Risk?
The exact cause of endometriosis is still unknown, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing it.
Genetics play a key role—your chances may be higher if a family member has endometriosis. Menstrual factors like starting periods early, having short cycles, or experiencing heavy periods can also raise the risk.
Hormonal imbalances, such as higher oestrogen levels, are often linked to the condition. Additionally, a weakened immune system may have trouble removing tissue growing outside its normal area, which can contribute to endometriosis.
How do you know you have endometriosis?
Identifying the early signs of endometriosis can help ensure a faster diagnosis and more effective management. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for:
- Pelvic Pain: Persistent or intense pelvic pain, especially before and during menstruation, is a key symptom of endometriosis. Unlike regular menstrual cramps, this pain can be severe and debilitating and may also spread to the lower back or legs.
- Pain During Intercourse: Painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is a common but often overlooked symptom of endometriosis. The pain may persist after sexual activity.
- Heavy or Irregular Periods: Menstrual cycles characterised by excessive bleeding, clotting, or spotting between periods can signal endometriosis.
- Digestive Issues: Symptoms such as bloating, nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation, particularly during menstruation, are often mistaken for other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Fatigue: Chronic fatigue is a frequent complaint among individuals with endometriosis, resulting from ongoing inflammation and pain.
- Infertility: Difficulty conceiving may be the first indication of endometriosis for some individuals. The condition is estimated to affect up to 50% of women with infertility.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
If left untreated, endometriosis can lead to complications such as chronic pain, infertility, and an increased risk of other health issues, including ovarian cysts and adhesions. Early diagnosis allows for more effective management and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
Seeking a Diagnosis
Diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging, as symptoms often overlap with other conditions.
What to expect during the diagnostic process:
- Pelvic Exam: A physical examination may reveal cysts or tenderness in the pelvic region.
- Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, menstrual cycle, and family history.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or MRI scans can help identify cysts or abnormalities associated with endometriosis.
- Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure is the most definitive way to diagnose endometriosis. It allows the doctor to view and biopsy endometrial-like tissue directly.
Medical breakthroughs
As awareness grows, so too do the medical innovations. More recently we learned of a non-invasive and cost-effective blood test that could transform the way endometriosis diagnosis is carried out, potentially changing how GPs are involved.
Promising new research, published in the international journal Human Reproduction, demonstrated ‘strong predictive accuracy’ for the diagnosis of endometriosis through a blood test.
The research was developed by Perth-based medical technology company Proteomics International, in collaboration with the Royal Women’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne and analysed plasma samples from 805 participants across two independent groups.
Treatment Options
Although there’s no cure for endometriosis, several treatments can help manage symptoms and improve daily life:
- Surgery: Laparoscopic surgery can remove endometrial tissue and scarring, which may reduce pain and improve fertility.
- Lifestyle Changes: Eating a balanced diet, staying active and managing stress can help ease symptoms.
- Hormonal Therapy: Options such as birth control pills, progestin therapy, or GnRH agonists can help reduce or stop menstruation, easing symptoms.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications can temporarily relieve discomfort.
- Fertility Assistance: For those struggling to conceive, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is an option that may provide a solution.
How to look after yourself?
Self-care can make managing endometriosis symptoms easier. For example, using a heating pad on your abdomen can help relieve pain and cramps. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet full of vegetables, fruits, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains (excluding wheat) may also reduce inflammation. Joining support groups or online communities can give you emotional support, practical tips, and a sense of connection with others who understand what you’re going through.
The Bottom line
Endometriosis is a complex condition that requires awareness, care, and timely intervention. By recognising the symptoms early and seeking professional medical advice, you can take proactive steps towards managing your health and exploring effective treatments.
Read more about the topic
Amy Schumer shares how she manages her endometriosis.
Amy Schumer: I Finally Feel Good After My Struggle with Endometriosis
Authors note
Affinity Health helped contribute to this post, to help raise awareness on this topic during Endometriosis month in March.
Main photo credit: Pexels
