What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when the tissue, or endometrium, lining the uterus grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis most commonly affects the Fallopian tubes and ovaries, as well as the tissues lining the pelvis. Although displaced from its normal location, the endometrial tissue continues to act as it does in the uterus, thickening and then breaking down and bleeding during the menstrual cycle. This causes significant pain and may eventually produce thickened fibrous tissue, or adhesions, in the pelvic region that can lead to infertility. Endometriosis usually starts a few years after menarche — onset of periods — becomes asymptomatic during pregnancy, and ends with menopause if you’re not on hormone therapy.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms vary between individuals but commonly include:

• Painful periods: With pelvic, lower back, and abdominal pain for several days before and after periods
• Pain during or after intercourse
• Pain with bowel movements or urination during periods
• Excessive bleeding during periods or bleeding between periods
• Infertility
• Fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, bloating
  

Are there risk factors for endometriosis?

Some issues that put you at higher risk for developing endometriosis include:

• Never having given birth
• Starting your period early
• Experiencing menopause later in life
• Short menstrual cycles, less than 27 days
• High estrogen levels
• Uterine abnormalities or conditions that decrease the free flow of menstrual blood from the body
• Low body mass index
• Genetic predisposition, having several close relatives with endometriosis
• Excessive alcohol consumption
  

What’s the treatment for endometriosis?

If you aren’t trying to get pregnant, hormonal birth control that reduces or eliminates your menstrual bleeding is sometimes effective for women with moderate to mild symptoms. Certain IUDs (intrauterine devices), also help reduce pain and bleeding. Other possible treatments include:

• Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Alternative treatments such as acupuncture
• Herbal remedies such as cinnamon or licorice root
• Supplements such as vitamin B1, magnesium, or omega-3 fatty acids
• Medication-induced menopause that can be reversed if you’d like to get pregnant
• Surgery to remove abnormally located endometrial tissue is the last resort for women with severe symptoms who don’t respond to other therapies
  
  

Whether you’re still planning to have a child or already have a houseful, the team at Southern Women's Specialists Gynecology and Urogynecology will develop a customized endometriosis treatment plan that best addresses your symptoms and lifestyle.