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I have heard of some comparatively young women complain about their painful periods. One of them happens to be my niece who, after consulting her doctor, was informed she has endometriosis. What exactly is endometriosis?
Often tormented by problems relating to menstruation (some even sterile), these young women suffering from endometriosis are afflicted with masses of tissue much like the endometrium – the mucous membrane lining the uterus. These bulks of tissue may be attached to the ovaries, the lower colon, or some other parts near the uterus. Each month, the endometrium normally grows thicker. This is the female body's way of getting ready for the possible implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. If, however, implantation does not take place, the thickened portion of the endometrium detaches and departs the body in the form of menstrual discharge, more commonly known as period.
There are instances, however, when endometrial tissue may grow in places outside the uterus (there are different reasons for this). The ovaries, the fallopian tubes, or the muscles of the uterus are the possible places where endometrial tissue can grow in. Regardless of where it's at, the tissue reacts in much the same way as if it's in the uterus; that is, it breaks down every month if the woman does not become pregnant. If the disintegration of the tissue occurs in a place where there is no opening or a means for release, blood and tissue may accumulate which can cause pain and pressure. It can also result in the formation of scar tissue in some cases. A woman may have trouble becoming pregnant if the tissue happens to obstruct the fallopian tubes.
There are cases of endometriosis which are mild they usually proceed unnoticed. But there are instances, too, when it can be very painful, necessitating treatment. And how, women-sufferers are sure to ask, is endometriosis treated?
Treatment for endometriosis varies from case to case. If a woman is drawing close to menopause and her symptoms are not too painful, the doctor may advise to just let the condition pass. The reason for this is that the problem will cease when the production of the hormones which trigger menstruation stops. Hormones that tend to inhibit menstruation and the accumulation of endometrial tissue in uncommon areas may be prescribed by the doctor for youngger women. However, such menstruation-suppressing treatment, while it may alleviate distress, can cause unwanted side effects.
In a specific instance when an irregular and disturbing period is not known to have some other cause, the doctor may want to take a closer look at the case. The probability of the occurrence of endometriosis is even greater if a woman is sterile. Elimination of the abnormal tissue by surgery may be inevitable. Still, there are known practical methods to effectively control and manage the symptoms of your endometriosis once and for all.
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Source by Patricia Hannah
