Understanding Endometriosis
September 9, 2009
Endometriosis is the name given to the condition in which the endometrium (lining of the womb) starts growing outside the womb.
They may grow in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bowel and the bladder. In rare situations they may start growing in the knee, eyes, armpit, heart or lungs.
Signs and Symptoms
Different women have shown different signs and symptoms. Some women report painful periods and sexual intercourse while others may experience no such discomfort.
Common signs and symptoms include pain in pelvic, fatigue, back pain, infertility, irregular or heavy menstruation, painful periods, gastrointestinal problems, bloating and difficulty during defecation.
The diagnosis is done by laparoscopy and ultrasound. The cause of endometriosis is not known.
Treatment
The treatment involves drugs, surgery and making dietary changes. Drugs are used to decrease the level of estrogen in body since endometriosis is estrogen dependent. Drugs shut down the menstruation for this purpose, contraceptive pills and progesterone-only pills are prescribed. GnRH (Gonadotrophin releasing hormone) analogs may also be prescribed.
These analogues prevent release of hormone FSH (follicular stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) from the pituitary gland. This blocks release of hormones by the ovaries hence preventing release of estrogen.
GnRH analogues have significant side effects. These include hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, insomnia and headaches.
Surgical techniques include using laser or diathermy, hysterectomy and helica thermal coagulator. Before opting for these techniques one must take consultation from more than one physician.
Dietary changes include leaving alcohol and caffeine completely. Liver is responsible for excretion of the hormones. Drinking of alcohol will put an extra burden on the liver and hence accumulation of estrogen in the body may rise.
Caffeine creates an imbalance in body by causing depletion of essential vitamins and minerals which maintain balance of several hormones in the body.
Those women who are overweight must lead a healthy life style to lose weight. This is because estrogen is stored in the body in the form of fat.
One needs to avoid all those food substances which carry saturated fats, especially arachidonic acid. These are present in red meat and some dairy products. The arachidonic acid supports production of prostaglandins, the substances which govern inflammation. Triggering these substances in body can greatly increase symptoms.
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