Thursday, March 28, 2024

HEALTHIER YOU: What is endometriosis?

March 16, 2021 by  
Filed under Health

What is endometriosis?

BY DR. ANNETTE MAYES, OB/GYN

DR. ANNETTE MAYES

Endometriosis is a hormonal and immune system disease in which tissue (endometrium) similar to the inside lining of the uterus is also found in other areas of the body. It develops into growths that cause pain, bleeding, formation of scar tissue and other medical problems.

The symptoms include: painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain with sex, heavy or irregular bleeding, diarrhea and/or painful bowel movements during periods.

Endometriosis cannot be confirmed in routine gynecological exams. Diagnosis is considered uncertain until proven by laparoscopy, a surgical procedure done under anesthesia. A laparoscopy usually shows the location, size and extent of the growths and can help the doctor and patient make better treatment choices. (Non-surgical diagnostic tests are in development.)

Studies by the Endometriosis Association and others have shown that the average delay in diagnosing the disease is seven to ten years. Receiving an early diagnosis provides the best opportunity to reduce the damage of the disease and gives women and girls more information in order to advocate for their own health and well-being.

Here are some facts every woman should know about endometriosis:

  • The disease affects women all across the world regardless of race, class or socioeconomic status.
  • Endometriosis can start very young. There are some reports of girls having symptoms since their first period.
  • Endometriosis is primarily an imbalance in the immune and endocrine (hormone) systems. The presence of lesions in the pelvis is the tip of the iceberg.
  • Endometriosis is not completely cured by surgery alone. The underlying environment throughout the whole body must be addressed in order for the woman’s health to be truly improved and to hopefully avoid other health problems related to endometriosis.
  • Endometriosis is not cured by pregnancy. Some women do have relief of symptoms during or after a pregnancy, but others have worsening. A woman should never be pressured into having a baby as a “treatment” for a medical condition.
  • Environmental toxicity plays a critical role in the development of endometriosis. It has been discovered in its original research that dioxin can lead to the disease. Dioxins are found in pesticides and contaminated food grown with pesticides.
  • Diet and lifestyle changes do make a difference.

For more information, call Las Vegas All Women’s Care at (702) 522-9640. Or visit us at 700 Shadow Lane #165 in Las Vegas.

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