Is it true that painful period cramps are normal and the only cure is conception? No! Don't believe that. Period cramps are caused due to many causative factors, one of which could be Endometriosis.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of the uterus grows abnormally outside the uterus, which eventually spreads to the female reproductive system (ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdominal wall, cervix, bladder, and vagina). If you have PCOD or PCOS, it could be endometriosis. Research shows this condition affects 10%–15% of women of reproductive age and a whopping 70% of those have chronic pelvic pain. It can take six to ten years for a proper diagnosis, leaving many to endure pain without answers.
How do you flash the signal?
Here are 5 red flags of Endometriosis which alarm that something isn’t normal:
Intense Period pain
The pain that keeps your daughter home from school or you from work.
The cramps won't go away with birth control pills or anti-inflammatory medications like meftalspas. Not all people with endometriosis have severe pain and not all people with bad cramps have endometriosis. But really bad pain at any time is certainly something you should talk to your Doctor or Nutritionist about.
Painful Sex
Penetration may pull or stretch endometrial tissue growing behind the vagina or lower uterus, causing discomfort. Endometriosis can also trigger pelvic floor cramps, which may worsen with vaginal penetration. Some people might feel mild discomfort, while others experience a deeper, more intense pain during or after sex. If pain outweighs pleasure, it’s a signal that something isn’t right.
Stomach Problems
When endometriosis affects the bowel, it can disrupt digestion, causing nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and severe bloating, especially during your period.
Trouble getting pregnant
Struggling to conceive? Up to 50% of women with infertility have endometriosis, as it causes inflammation and scarring in the pelvis, sometimes creating kinks in the fallopian tubes. This can make it harder for sperm and egg to meet or for an embryo to implant in the uterus.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain (abdominal pain) can be caused by inflammation and scarring, not just during your period but also from untreated endometriosis. Without proper treatment, this can eventually affect your pelvic floor muscles and nerves.
Endometriosis can be a challenging condition. Some people have symptoms, while others may not. For some, the pain is mild, while for others, it’s intense. The path to diagnosis can also be unnecessarily long for many.
Did you know endometriosis can also be triggered by Gut Microbiome?
Yes! The gut microbiota not only plays an important role in food metabolism and intestinal physiology, but also an imbalance in the gut can lead to the occurrence and development of various diseases.
Studies have shown irritable bowel syndrome was approximately 3 times higher among patients with endometriosis compared with healthy ones.
Women with endometriosis have extremely high levels of bad bacteria in their abdominal fluid and period discharge which 2 of them are E.Coli & Shigella. But how does it cause endometriosis? High levels of harmful bacteria in menstrual discharge and abdominal fluid can cause a leaky gut. This allows particles to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation in the uterus and worsening endometriosis.
My Must Have: Health Check Panel!
Improving your gut health and making lifestyle adjustments can help manage endometriosis symptoms. Here’s what you can do:
Blood Test: Check your estrogen levels on day two of your menstrual cycle when hormone levels are typically low. Estrogen dominance could be a contributing factor. My personal recommendation: Thyrocare- for accurate and reliable tests. Click Here!
Transvaginal Ultrasound: This can help detect fibroids or cysts that might worsen symptoms.
Consult Your Doctor or Medical Nutritionist: Diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging, so the first step is to seek a consultation. Book your consultation with me now! Click Here!