Endometriosis Awareness: Painful Periods Are Abnormal

The month of March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and it's April already as I write but that doesn't mean I can't raise awareness about this condition still. As a lover of women's reproductive health, raising awareness about abnormalities is one of my fortes. Women need to be aware of what's going on in their bodies.

pexels

What is Endometriosis?

I first came across the word Endometriosis when I was googling symptoms some years ago. It had similar symptoms to other hormonal conditions but what struck out was it was associated with painful periods.

Endometriosis is what happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining known as endometrium grows outside the uterus.

Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. Rarely, endometrial-like tissue may be found beyond the area where pelvic organs are located. Mayo Clinic

In simpler terms, something is growing where it shouldn't and this is a problem because it's painful and the body doesn't know how to expel this tissue. Just like the endometrium, this look-alike tissue thickens, breaks, and bleeds at the end of a cycle but it becomes trapped.

Endometriosis shouldn't be mistaken for adenomyosis in which case, the actual endometrium penetrates the muscle of the womb.

It might sound new to most, but 1 in 10 women suffer from endometriosis. It is as common as illnesses like diabetes but lacks awareness and even proper research. It can take up to 8 years to get a proper diagnosis after probably being misdiagnosed or sometimes, gaslighted.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Period pains have been so normalized that it's hard to tell what's too painful these days. With endometriosis, the pain is beyond normal and inhibits regular activities. It doesn't hurt during periods only, this pain can happen at any point in the menstrual cycle.

This deep pelvic pain can occur when one uses the toilet or even has sex. Other symptoms are; excessive bleeding, infertility, fatigue, backaches, diarrhea, and nausea.

Research showed that about 90% of women who have endometriosis don't see their doctor when they feel this pain. If you notice this severe type of pain, associated with your period or not, you need to see a doctor.

Causes of Endometriosis

The cause of endometriosis is unknown. This means it is not your fault if you do have endometriosis, it is not about what you did or didn't do, you just - have it.

There is however, a heredity play in this. There is a chance of having it if a relative had it. It is also associated with hormonal imbalances.

Treatment of Endometriosis

There is no cure for endometriosis yet but it can be managed with effective treatment. A lifestyle and diet change is also important as this helps reduce inflammation and other drivers of endometriosis.

Mental health is a huge part of endometriosis as it has been proven that 90% of women who suffer it have depression or anxiety.

The pain and all that you're feeling is not all in your head, passing out from periods is not normal, and if your body doesn't feel right, it probably isn't right.

You have to advocate for yourself and seek help if you think something is wrong. Stop enduring pelvic pain/excessively painful periods and see a doctor today.