What is endometriosis & how to deal with it
Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus and into the ovaries, bowel, and tissue lining the pelvis causing severe pain during menstruation, irritation, and even fertility issues. This disorder is common among women between the age of 15-45 and is especially common in women aged 20-35.
Endometriosis causes such painful periods because hormone changes affect the overgrowth of tissue causing much more severe cramps and pain. As if having your period wasn’t painful enough! Aside from the unbearable pain, it is often difficult to diagnose this condition and the exact cause of it is unknown. The best way to determine whether or not you have endo is to get an ultrasound at your gyno.
What are the symptoms?
painful, heavy periods
spotting/bleeding between periods
stomach pain before and during menstruation
painful sex
digestive issues
cramps 1-2 weeks around menstruation
Treatments:
While there is no cure for endo, the symptoms can be managed. As far as pain remedies, there are over the counter drugs, hormone therapy and even surgeries that can help with the the pain if it is extremely unbearable. Aside from the physical pain of this condition, it can also take a toll on your mental health because of the frustration and fear of not being able to get pregnant and figuring out how to deal with the constant pain. A great way to offset this is to find a community where you can get support and also further educate yourself on this condition. Lovewellness & Flo Vitamins are two great supplement brands that are made to help ease pain and better your overall feminine health.
Finding relief may take a lot of time and energy, but there are effective treatments and ways to manage the pain. Fortunately, there are tons of platforms such as Endometriosis. org, & Speak Endo that are dedicated to helping women educate themselves and explore treatment options.
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