Endometriosis is an under-diagnosed condition where tissue external to the uterus can be found hemorrhaging during the menstruation period. Every 28 days the menstrual cycle leads to the shedding of the endometrial lining causing bleeding. On average most women have their menstruation completed within 3-5 days. However, amongst women who are sufferers of endometriosis, misplaced tissue from surrounding regions which are external to the uterus break apart leading to lengthier timelines for completion of a usual 3-5 days. For some women, bleeding may take 7-10 days to complete. External tissues around the endometrium may become inflamed and discharged from the body along with the uterus lining. 

The endometrial tissue sites may develop scaring leading to lesions, implants, nodules or growths. The causes of endometriosis is unknown although some experts believe the pieces of the endometrium track back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity which may lodge on the surfaces of the reproductive organs such as the fallopian tubes and uterus. Blood from the endometrium causes irritation of the surrounding tissue which may become inflamed resulting in the formation of cysts and scar tissue.

Endometriosis is asymptomatic making it difficult to diagnose it at the early stages and may be either misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for many years. This leads to difficulties for women that are sufferers of the condition as severe pains may lead to neurological conditions in some extreme cases. However, when the disease eventually presents symptoms, they may include, severe abdominal cramps or back pains, extremley painful menstrual cramps, painful bowel movements, abnormal or heavy bleeding, painful sex and difficulties with conceiving. 

Endometriosis is not a form of cancer and does not increase a woman's risk of uterine or another cancer. There is no cure for endometriosis and is provided  disease management following confirmation of the disease. As part of disease management, treatment is often continued until menopause unless the subject becomes pregnant. There are effective treatments to reduce the size of tissue growth and to relieve the painful symptoms. 

For mild cases of endometriosis, doctors may recommend treatment with hormones which can reduce the size of tissue growths. Hormones can also reduce the production of blood during menstruation which gives time to heal and reduces the potential scarring of the inside tissues. Contraceptive pills, progestogens, Antiprogestogens, Gonadotropin relasing hormone analogues and even Ibuprofen as a form of anti-inflammatory. Surgery is another form of treatment which may be offered to severe cases where scar tissue may be removed during laparoscopy. This does improve painful symptoms and may increase the possibility of pregnancy. However, a hysterectomy may be performed for a small group of women where other forms of disease management treatments fail. 

Although, these treatment may help the sufferers, managing stress levels is also a good way to manage the disease. Increased levels of stress can cause endometriosis 'flairs ' and this can be maintained through exercises. Running is a good way to manage endometriosis as it is a good stress reliever thereby reducing the amount of bleeding and discomfort every month. 

 

 Please consult your General Practitioner and a Gynecologist if you have any concerns.