Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of it, such as in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and lining of the pelvis. It affects about 10 percent women of reproductive age group and which can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, severe pelvic pain, painful bowel movements, and infertility.
Causes of Endometriosis
The exact causes of endometriosis is not fully understood, but several factors have been identified through various research studies.These include inflammation, estrogen dominance, retrograde menstruation (when menstrual blood flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity), genetic factors, and a dysregulated immune system.
Lack of Awareness
There are many reasons for the lack of awareness and misdiagnosis of endometriosis. One of the biggest factors is that the symptoms can overlap with other conditions, making it difficult to identify endometriosis. Additionally, there is a lack of education and training among healthcare professionals about the condition, which can lead to missed or incorrect diagnoses.
Another issue is that there is often a stigma associated with menstrual pain, which can lead women to downplay their symptoms or delay seeking attention and treatment. This can further delay the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.
Overall, it is important to increase awareness of endometriosis and educate both healthcare professionals and the general public about the condition. This can help to improve diagnosis rates and ensure that women receive appropriate treatment.
Endometriosis different from Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Most women usually get confused and assume endometriosis as PCOS because awareness related to endometriosis is very less and both conditions are related to menstrual cycles and some of the symptoms are similar but they are two different health conditions
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgens (male hormone) production, and multiple small cysts on the ovaries. The symptoms of PCOS can include weight gain, acne, facial hair growth and difficulty getting pregnant.
Endometriosis is a complex condition involving the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. While estrogen is a contributing factor, other factors such as immune function, genetics, and environment also play a role. Chronic inflammation is a key feature.
symptoms of endometriosis can include pelvic pain, painful periods, fatigue, heavy menstrual bleeding and infertility and some times it is asymptomatic,discovered only when women trying to get pregnant.
Irregular periods are common in women with PCOS or endometriosis. A normal menstrual cycle lasts between 24 and 35 days, but women with PCOS may have longer cycles due to delayed ovulation, while those with endometriosis may have shorter cycles. Women with endometriosis often experience heavy periods, while those with PCOS may have heavy periods or irregular spotting.
Infertility is common in both PCOS and Endometriosis due to various factors like Hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, absent ovulation, inflammation, and disruptions in egg quality.
While both PCOS and endometriosis can affect a woman’s reproductive system, it is also possible to have both PCOS and endometriosis together.
Approach to address these issues
Generally most doctors prescribe birth control pills, painkillers and or hormonal therapy to address the symptoms However this will be a temporary relief. It is important to understand the underlying cause of the problem and address it with a personalised nutrition and lifestyle approach. but here are some general guidelines you can follow.
Since both PCOS and endometrosis are inflammatory conditions,an anti inflammatory diet can help.
Also, focus on gut health as the gut plays a vital role beyond digestion and nutrient absorption, impacting hormone balance and inflammation. Gut bacteria have a significant influence on estrogen levels, and dysbiosis can impair estrogen metabolism, resulting in imbalances. Maintaining a healthy gut is important for balancing estrogen levels in PCOS and endometriosis.
Poor sleep and high stress levels can lead to hormonal imbalances and inflammation in PCOS and endometriosis, which can negatively affect overall health. To promote better sleep, aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night, avoid sleep disruptors, such as alcohol and caffeine.
(The writer Ali Mohammed, is a nutritionist and lifestyle coach.)
