Endometriosis: Is Your Body Talking?
- Posted on: Apr 30 2018
One of the biggest questions that women have is “what is my body telling me?” Our great-great-grandmothers were intimately familiar with their body-talk. They tended to intuit what their bodies were saying and why. At times, discerning the meaning of various symptoms was hit-and-miss. Today, we have the value of formal medical care. Today, you have the advantage of the opportunity. Whether or not your body is providing you signs that something may be going on internally, or you have no symptoms, routine care from a compassionate and experienced gynecologist can keep you in the know about your feminine health. Here, we want to discuss how the body may send warning signs that indicate endometriosis.
When did painful periods become the norm?
We recently discussed the issue of painful periods. Most women do experience the side effects of uterine contractions around the time of menstruation. However, severe pain that keeps you down for a few days is certainly not the norm. When pain occurs during and outside of menstruation, there is a strong indicator of a primary condition that is behind such symptoms. We do not say this to cause worry. We say it because you as a woman need to be empowered to know what your body needs.
Chronically painful periods may point to endometriosis. This is a condition in which the tissue that lines the internal walls of the uterus get the urge to travel and expands its growth to the outer walls of this reproductive structure. The Endometriosis Foundation of America has estimated that more than 175 million women across the globe are affected by this disorder. What is important to know about this women’s health issue is that there is hope for correction. But first, you have to spot the signs.
Do you experience these symptoms?
- Severe menstrual cramping. Cramping is cramping, but when period pain enters into the “can’t get out of bed” mode, there is the reason to take notice. Your body is talking. Pelvic pain may start a few days before active menstruation, and may spread throughout the groin, abdomen, and the back. It is also likely that over-the-counter medication may not alleviate pain to the point of comfort.
- Gastrointestinal problems. Many women with endometriosis also experience issues like chronic diarrhea or constipation. Because of this, endometriosis may be misdiagnosed as IBS or irritable bowel syndrome.
- Family history. If you have painful periods and other symptoms related to menstruation, talk to the women in your family. If there is a line of women before you who have suffered, you can identify this as a risk for endometriosis.
- Heavy flow. A normal period does not extend beyond seven days. Clotting and heavy bleeding are also outside of the norm. Because endometriosis can develop shortly after a girl begins menstruating, heavy and long periods may seem normal when they are not.
- Irregular periods. Menstruation should occur every 28 days or so. Too soon or too late means there is a problem.
Endometriosis can lead to fertility issues and painful sex. It doesn’t have to. Get the care you need from an experienced gynecologist. Call Grace OBGYN at 817-776-4722.
Posted in: Endometriosis