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A total of 8.5 million women in America today are plagued by a chronic and disruptive disorder with a name as long as the ailment is painful.
Endometriosis, as it is called, mostly affects women between the ages of 25 and 35. However, recent studies show that this disorder is increasingly affecting young women as well. Up to 70 percent of teens with abdominal pain have been diagnosed with endometriosis.
In an effort to diminish the suffering caused by this disorder, March has been declared National Endometriosis Awareness Month.
The exact cause of this disorder is unclear. However, it does appear that endometrial tissue from the uterus is shed during menstruation and travels through the fallopian tubes, implanting in pelvic structures and other areas of the body. The ovaries, fallopian tubes, sigmoid colon, and appendix are areas that are affected.
Abdominal scars from C-sections can also be affected, as can the bladder, breast, pancreas, and liver.
A genetic pre-disposition is one risk factor for this ailment. If a woman has endometriosis, for example, then her first degree relative has a 7 percent chance of having the disorder as well.
Tall and thin individuals are prone to be affected by this ailment, as are women with red hair, sun-sensitive skin, freckles and abnormal skin lesions. Women who have never been pregnant, experienced early menarche, late menopause, or shorter cycles have been shown to develop this disorder more readily than others.
The signs and symptoms of Endometriosis include: abdominal pain, painful intercourse, painful menstrual periods, constipation, bloating, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, blood in the urine, chronic fatigue and low back pain.
Fertility issues may also be related to Endometriosis. It is believed this is due to anatomical changes in the pelvic region due to adhesions. Cytokines and growth factors related to the disorder may also “attack” the normal ovarian functions related to reproduction.
Women who have had multiple pregnancies, breast-fed their babies, and started their menses after the age of 14 appear to have fewer issues with endometriosis.
A laparoscopic examination can provide a definitive diagnosis of this disorder. An abdominal/pelvic ultrasound may be done first if there are related concerns.
Treatment for this disorder is varied. However, oftentimes, a trial period of medication t is tried before any surgery. Many individuals are placed on NSAIDS, cyclic birth control pills, or other medications, depending on the patient's age. There has been some reported success with Acupuncture as well.
Surgery is considered only after the less invasive methods have been exhausted. The conservative surgical protocol involves removal of the endometrial growths. However, if the disease is debilitating, or conservative measures have been unsuccessful, then definitive surgery, such as a hysterectomy, may be needed.
There is a step-wise approach in treating this disorder. A women's primary care provider can assist in starting today to a pain free way of living.
For more information, contact your primary care provider or St. Anthony's Granby Medical Center at 887-7400.
— Tami Griffith, CFNP-BC, of Granby Medical Center writes every other week about health care as a community service
Endometriosis, as it is called, mostly affects women between the ages of 25 and 35. However, recent studies show that this disorder is increasingly affecting young women as well. Up to 70 percent of teens with abdominal pain have been diagnosed with endometriosis.
In an effort to diminish the suffering caused by this disorder, March has been declared National Endometriosis Awareness Month.
The exact cause of this disorder is unclear. However, it does appear that endometrial tissue from the uterus is shed during menstruation and travels through the fallopian tubes, implanting in pelvic structures and other areas of the body. The ovaries, fallopian tubes, sigmoid colon, and appendix are areas that are affected.
Abdominal scars from C-sections can also be affected, as can the bladder, breast, pancreas, and liver.
A genetic pre-disposition is one risk factor for this ailment. If a woman has endometriosis, for example, then her first degree relative has a 7 percent chance of having the disorder as well.
Tall and thin individuals are prone to be affected by this ailment, as are women with red hair, sun-sensitive skin, freckles and abnormal skin lesions. Women who have never been pregnant, experienced early menarche, late menopause, or shorter cycles have been shown to develop this disorder more readily than others.
The signs and symptoms of Endometriosis include: abdominal pain, painful intercourse, painful menstrual periods, constipation, bloating, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, blood in the urine, chronic fatigue and low back pain.
Fertility issues may also be related to Endometriosis. It is believed this is due to anatomical changes in the pelvic region due to adhesions. Cytokines and growth factors related to the disorder may also “attack” the normal ovarian functions related to reproduction.
Women who have had multiple pregnancies, breast-fed their babies, and started their menses after the age of 14 appear to have fewer issues with endometriosis.
A laparoscopic examination can provide a definitive diagnosis of this disorder. An abdominal/pelvic ultrasound may be done first if there are related concerns.
Treatment for this disorder is varied. However, oftentimes, a trial period of medication t is tried before any surgery. Many individuals are placed on NSAIDS, cyclic birth control pills, or other medications, depending on the patient's age. There has been some reported success with Acupuncture as well.
Surgery is considered only after the less invasive methods have been exhausted. The conservative surgical protocol involves removal of the endometrial growths. However, if the disease is debilitating, or conservative measures have been unsuccessful, then definitive surgery, such as a hysterectomy, may be needed.
There is a step-wise approach in treating this disorder. A women's primary care provider can assist in starting today to a pain free way of living.
For more information, contact your primary care provider or St. Anthony's Granby Medical Center at 887-7400.
— Tami Griffith, CFNP-BC, of Granby Medical Center writes every other week about health care as a community service
