What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

Recently, an Indian actress, opened up about her battle with endometriosis. She candidly shared her struggles and raised awareness about the impact of endometriosis. Shamita even asked women to Google about the condition, listen to their bodies, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The actress also made further revelations, saying people often misunderstand endometriosis symptoms.  “You might have it and not even know about it; it is painful and uncomfortable,"  she added. 

But what is endometriosis? What are its symptoms, and what are the causes? Let's explore the condition and its treatment options in this blog

What is Endometriosis? 

Endometriosis is a condition that is related to the reproductive system of women. It is a chronic condition in the uterus that can cause severe pain in women. According to the WHO, nearly 10% of women of reproductive age suffer from this condition. It occurs when a tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, known as the endometrium, grows outside a woman's uterus. Endometrium can grow in the wrong places, like fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic lining, which can cause cysts, inflammation, scarring, and adhesions. Such abnormal tissue growths cause extreme pain, especially during menstruation. Endometriosis often goes undiagnosed in women for years and can be painful and discomforting.  

Causes of Endometriosis 

Let’s look at some potential causes of endometriosis: 

Retrograde Menstruation

When a woman’s blood containing endometrial cells flows backwards through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body through the vagina, Such an unusual phenomenon results in the endometrial cells depositing outside the uterus, where they further implant and grow.

Surgical Scars  

After surgeries like a c-section or hysterectomy, there’s a possibility that menstrual blood leaks into the pelvic cavity through a surgical wound.

Embryonic Cell Transformation 

Hormones such as oestrogen can cause endometriosis by transforming embryonic cells, cells in the first stage of development, into endometrial implants during puberty. 

Immune System Disorders 

Any problems in the immune system can make the body unable to identify and destroy the endometrial-like tissue growing outside of the uterus.  

Hormonal Imbalances

If a woman has high oestrogen levels in her body, it can promote the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, leading to endometriosis. 

Genetic Factors 

Endometriosis often runs in families, suggesting a genetic link. If a close relative has a history of endometriosis, your risk may be higher.  

Lymphatic or Circulatory Spread 

In rare cases, endometrial cells might spread to other body parts through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. 

Endometriosis is a complex disease, so the exact cause remains unknown. However, the above causes suggest some possibilities. 

What are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

Endometriosis can be challenging to diagnose and varies widely among women. Some common symptoms of endometriosis are: 

• Painful Periods and Excessive Bleeding: Severe pain during menstruation can be a sign of endometriosis. Also, if you are experiencing heavy periods (menorrhagia) or bleeding between the periods (menometrorrhagia), you should seek medical assistance. 
• Pelvic Pain: Pelvic pain is often associated with menstruation cramps. However, women should take note if the pain begins before and extends several days into the menstruation. It can be a symptom of endometriosis.
• Pain During Intercourse: Discomfort during or after intercourse is not common. Consult your doctor in case you experience pain during intercourse. 
• Pain with Bowel Movements and Urination: If you experience pain during everyday activities like urination or bowel movements, it can be a sign of endometriosis. 
• Infertility: Most women who failed to conceive sought medical advice while trying to get pregnant. Often, those seeking treatment for pregnancy issues receive an endometriosis diagnosis first.
• Abdominal and Back Pain: If you experience abdominal or back pain anytime during your menstrual cycle, it can also be a sign of endometriosis. 
• Other Symptoms: Various other symptoms, like depression, anxiety, constipation, diarrhoea, fatigue, nausea, and bloating during menstruation, indicate endometriosis and shouldn’t be ignored.

What are the Four Stages of Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is classified into four stages, based on the endometrial implant’s amount, size, and location. Here’s the breakdown of each stage of endometriosis: 

Stage 1: Minimal

• Implants: At stage one, they are small and external and, hence, not deeply embedded in the tissue.
• Scar tissue: little to none.
• Location: It is found on the organs inside the pelvis or pelvic lining.

Stage 2: Mild

• Implants: They are more extensive than stage 1 but still external.
• Scar tissue: few, but not that extensive.
• Location: It has a limited scope but may involve deeper implants than stage 1

Stage 3: Moderate

• Implants: It has many deep implants.
• Scar tissue: These can be more prominent, and there is the presence of adhesions (bands of scar tissue due to which body organs can stick together).
• Location: It may appear on fallopian tubes and ovaries, which can cause the formation of small cysts.

Stage 4: Severe

• Implants: These implants can be numerous and deep.
• Scar tissue: extensive and with thick adhesions.
• Location: Large cysts can be found on one or both the ovaries. Also, significant scar tissues can bind pelvic organs together. 

The above stages can be determined during a procedure called laparoscopy. This minor surgical procedure diagnoses and often treats endometriosis. 

Also, the pain or symptom level correlates with the endometriosis stages.   For instance, a woman with stage 4 endometriosis might have mild symptoms or pain, while another with stage 1 may experience severe pain. A diagnosis will provide a clear picture of the condition.

Endometriosis Diagnosis  

Endometriosis diagnosis starts with a self-diagnosis of the symptoms. Often, women experiencing heavy or painful menstrual flow seek medical assistance. At the healthcare centre, the gynaecologist may ask about your medical history or any cases of endometriosis in the family. He may also ask about your past pregnancies. Depending on the same, the gynaecologist may go for further diagnosis; he may suggest undergoing the combination of the following: 

• Pelvic Exam: It is performed to detect any signs of cysts or scars.
• Imaging: To visualise the condition, your gynaecologist might suggest MRI, ultrasound, or CT scans as required.
• Laparoscopy: To confirm endometriosis, the doctor may perform a minor surgical procedure called laparoscopy. A small camera is inserted to look inside the body for endometrial tissue outside the uterus.  

During laparoscopy, the doctor may take a biopsy, a small tissue sample from the area, and send it to the laboratory to confirm. 

Endometriosis Treatment 

Treatments cannot cure endometriosis; however, the symptoms or pain can be managed by various treatment options, such as: 

1. Medications: To reduce the pain during menstruation, your healthcare provider may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers for relief. 

2. Hormonal Therapies: To regulate hormones or reduce pain, hormonal therapies such as birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, and patches can help. 

3. Endometriosis Surgery: In some cases, your doctor may suggest that you undergo the following endometriosis surgery: 

• Laparoscopy: This is a minimally invasive surgery to locate and remove the endometrial tissue from the body as much as possible. A small incision is made during the process, and a camera detects the tissue. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic surgery. 
• Hysterectomy: In severe cases, when the condition does not respond to the other treatments, a hysterectomy is performed. The surgery involves removing the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes as required. It is useful to relieve pain but also means a woman cannot get pregnant post-surgery. Therefore, it is considered a last resort by professionals.
• Lifestyle Changes: Adopting healthy habits, such as regular exercise, following a healthy diet, and managing stress, can improve overall well-being and reduce endometriosis symptoms.

Your doctor will plan the treatment for endometriosis according to the severity of your condition, age, and plans for future pregnancies. 

Risk Factors  

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing endometriosis in women: 

• Periods started at an early age.
• They never gave birth.
• Menopause at an older age.
• Short menstrual cycles that are less than 27 days.
• Low body mass index.
• Heavy periods that last more than seven days.
• Reproductive tract issues or abnormalities. 

These risk factors can help diagnose endometriosis at an early age. This will help improve management and the quality of life for the women affected. 

How do I Manage Endometriosis? 

Here’s a holistic approach to managing endometriosis for those living with this condition: 

• Stay Informed: Check your symptoms and try to understand your condition. Being informed will empower you to make the right decisions about your health and treatment. 
• Ask for help: Communicate with people who have already been diagnosed and live with this condition. Join support groups or online communities to connect with people who can understand what you are experiencing. Ask what works best for them and try incorporating it according to your symptoms. 
• Seek Medical Advice: Ensure regular checkups with your healthcare provider. Share your medical history, and don’t hesitate to tell your doctor anything, as they can help tailor treatments to your specific needs. Getting relief from your symptoms is crucial to managing your condition. Make sure to get proper help and treatment for the same. Care Health Insurance offers comprehensive health insurance plans that provide extensive protection to you and for everyone in the family.

Home Remedies for Endometriosis 

Along with the endometriosis treatment, you can try some home remedies to manage endometriosis. Here are some effective home remedies for endometriosis: 

• Anti-inflammatory Diet: Incorporate certain foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, like walnuts, salmon, and flaxseeds. Also, try to incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your diet. Reduce your consumption of processed foods, red meat, alcohol, and caffeine, as these can worsen inflammation and pain.  

• Herbal Remedies: Herbal items like turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage endometriosis. You can add turmeric to your foods or take it as a supplement. Ginger can be added to tea or your meals. 
• Heat Therapy: If you are experiencing pain in your lower abdomen, applying heat in the form of heating pads or warm baths can help relax your muscles and reduce cramping and pain during periods. 
• Physical activity: Indulge yourself in physical activities like swimming, walking, exercise, and yoga, as they will improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and help alleviate pain. 
• Stress Management: Reduce stress through stress management practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. This will also help manage pain. Adequate rest is also important, as fatigue can worsen the situation. 
• Acupuncture: It is a traditional Chinese practice that can help alleviate pain and improve overall health. 
• Supplements: Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. Another option is magnesium, which relaxes the muscles and eases pain. 
• Pelvic Massage: Massaging your lower abdomen can help improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension. 
• Essential Oils: Essential oils like lavender and peppermint can help manage endometriosis. Lavender has calming properties, and when used as a diffuser or diluted with a carrier oil, it helps reduce stress and pain. Peppermint mint oil can alleviate pain and also help reduce inflammation. 

The above home remedies can be beneficial in managing endometriosis, but they should only be practised to complement, not replace, treatment.

Wrapping Up!

Endometriosis is more than a health issue; it is a condition that demands attention and compassion. Together, we should work towards a better future where women can openly speak about their experiences so that endometriosis doesn’t remain a silent struggle. So, in case you suspect endometriosis or notice unusual periods and pain, consult with a healthcare professional. It is important to note that treating and managing such conditions can offset your finances. However, a Care Supreme from Care Health Insurance can ensure that your finances remain intact while you focus on recovery. This plan offers 4 physical consultations in a year from a Gynecologist, which can help diagnose and treat such conditions.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.