Endometriosis

Endometriosis is another very painful condition that can be experienced, but how it’s linked to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is unknown.  It’s a condition where the skin tissue lining the uterus (known as the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus, most notably on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the bladder or bowel.  Each month during menstruation the tissue is affected by hormonal changes but as this tissue has grown outside of the womb it can lead to swelling, stretching of tissue and inflammation, hence the extra pain.

It can result in severe menstrual cramps, chronic lower back and pelvic pain, intestinal pain, fatigue, bleeding between periods, and pain both during and after sexual intercourse.   Pain is frequently felt in the area between the hips and the tops of the legs, and there can also be discomfort when urinating or during a bowel movement.

There is also a condition called adenomysis whereby tissue grows into the womb rather than out.  This causes similar crippling pain and bleeding, as I found out when I was diagnosed with it.

There is no known cure for endometriosis or adenomyosis and treatment is based on reducing the symptoms as far as possible.  Paracetamol, codeine and NSAIDs can help relieve the pain and a healthy diet limiting caffeine and processed foods, as well as avoiding sugar and salt, can help alleviate symptoms.  Increasing your intake of essential fatty acids, oily fish and fruit and vegetables may help.

Hormone therapy or surgery are the only real options.  A GP can prescribe a variety of options such as the contraceptive pill/implant or injection.  

There are various options for surgery to remove the endometrial tissue, and your health provider will be able to advise on these depending on symptoms. 

After years of agony, I had an endometrial ablation which is surgery to destroy the lining of the uterus.  This is however a permanent procedure so is not recommended for women wishing to get pregnant.  The last resort is a hysterectomy.

There are a number of natural supplements that can potentially help with hormonal imbalances including Evening Primrose Oil, Agnus Castus and Liquorice.  But, given the severity of endometriosis there really is no alternative to medical intervention.