Endometriosis is becoming better understood by doctors all the time, and as a result, many women who have previously gone undiagnosed are now finding that they have this condition. If you have uncomfortable periods every month or are experiencing any other abnormalities, there's a chance that endometriosis is to blame. Read on to discover more about this condition and its potential signs.
What is Endometriosis
Endometriosis is, very simply, uterine tissue that grows outside of the uterus. While this may not seem like a big problem, uterine tissue reacts to hormones and the body's cycles regardless of where it's located in the body. This means that the unwanted uterine tissue may bleed, swell, or even slough off an external layer wherever it's located in your body. It's most typically found near the reproductive organs, but endometrial tissue can show up nearly anywhere.
Cramps
Severe cramps are one of the leading signs of endometriosis, especially if you feel like you're having cramps where your uterus isn't located. This may legitimately be a uterine cramp that's happening in the endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
Unfortunately, if blood or uterine tissue is shed outside of the uterus, it may not have a way to escape the body. This means that you could end up with pain for many more days while your body gradually reabsorbs the shed blood and tissue. This condition can also potentially trigger the development of scar tissue, which can also leave you with pain all month long.
Bleeding
Most women with endometriosis tend to have heavy to severe menstrual bleeding. This is because when a period hits, the uterine tissue sheds its external layer and temporarily bleeds. With more uterine tissue comes more bleeding.
In addition, having endometriosis often changes the way your body's hormones work. As a result, you may have more bleeding than a woman without endometriosis.
Nausea
Nausea is often a side effect from endometriosis. This is believed to be due to the endometriosis changing the way the hormones in the body work. This type of nausea is very similar to the nausea that women undergo when they're pregnant. As the hormones shift, nausea can result, which can leave you feeling ill, sick to your stomach, or even trigger vomiting in severe situations.
Endometriosis can be treated with both medicine and surgery, so if you think you might have this condition, talk to a women's health doctor for help. The sooner you get assistance, the sooner you can slow or stop the growth of endometrial tissue.
Share