Endometriosis occurs in 10% of women. So if you have it, you're not alone! But I’m sure you may feel like you're the only one sometimes …
So what is Endometriosis?
If you have been formally diagnosed with Endo, you probably know what it is. Or maybe you think you have Endometriosis or are waiting for the diagnosis, and are not super clear.
Essentially, Endometriosis is a disease where endometrial-like tissue finds its way outside your uterus and into your pelvic cavity, where it starts to grow on other organs. It acts the same as the endometrial tissue in your uterus: it grows in response to oestrogen, and bleeds and sheds when you have your period.
Some complications that can occur are the formation of adhesions (as you saw in the video); cysts in the pelvis; endometriomas and ruptured endometriomas; bowel obstruction; and peritonitis. And the big one: infertility caused by endometriotic adhesions or ovarian cysts.
At the moment, there is no cure for Endometriosis and the focus of treatment is on reducing the symptoms.
Here are some of the common symptoms:
• pain during menstruation and/or chronic pelvic pain
• pain on ovulation
• irregular and/or heavy and/or long periods
• painful intercourse
• hot flushes at different stages of your cycle
• vaginal thrush before your period
• urinary tract infections
• abdominal bloating
• flatulence
• diarrhoea (usually during your period)
• constipation (usually just before your period)
• vomiting
• headaches
• chronic fatigue
• fainting
• dizzy spells
• depression
• anxiety
• pain in legs and thighs
• back pain
• hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels)
• anaemia
Quite a list, isn't it? And it clearly affects more than just the reproductive system. Over the coming weeks I will go into more detail how and why nutrition can help reduce the severity of endometriosis symptoms.
In the meantime, if you are wondering how your current diet may be affecting your Endometriosis, you can get a free diet review. Use this form to tell me what you typically eat throughout the day, and I will email you some observations and recommendations.