Recognizing the Early Stages of Endometriosis
Though many women never think about the stages of endometriosis until they are told they have it, it is probably a more common condition than most realize. Endometriosis is the build up of endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus. This can lead to pain and infertility issues.
There are some treatments for it, but no cure. Any women of reproductive age may develop this condition, but the exact reason why some get it and some don’t seems to be a mystery. Though it is estimated that only five percent of women (of reproductive age) have endometriosis, the numbers might be much higher. What is more confusing is that the early stages of endometriosis can go unnoticed.
Some studies suggest that women who begin their periods at a very young age might have a slightly higher risk for developing endometriosis. It would also seem that those with this condition have shorter cycles, with heavier and longer periods than other women of reproductive age. These alone are not signs that a person has endometriosis, but they are similarities in diagnosed cases. Though a genetic link is not certain, a woman is more likely to suffer from endometriosis if a close female member of family, such as her mother, aunt or sister, has it.
Some of the early stages of this condition are quite vague, and a diagnosis might be a matter of elimination. One of the first signs is experiencing problems conceiving. This may not be evident early because there is a current trend for women to put off having children until their thirties for a variety of reasons. Infertility has many causes though, so this sign is often an ambiguous one. When other reasons for infertility are ruled out, a doctor might then begin to look for signs of endometriosis if they are not exceedingly obvious.
Another of the early signs of endometriosis is an unusual amount or increase in pain during a woman’s period. Though some women notice this, others have had this problem for a long time and they think it is the way it is supposed to be. The cramping, bloating, and pain will be more severe, and the periods will tend to last longer. A woman might also notice that she has abnormal spotting before her period begins. Some with this condition complain of pain during intercourse. However, some severe cases may present no pain what-so-ever. When that happens, diagnosis can only come in the later stages, and can be trickier to treat.
While treatment is much easier if identified early, this often isn’t possible. Treatment might be quicker and easier if found early, and fertility might be restored much quicker, even if the window might still be somewhat slim.
Many women with this condition find some relief though hormone therapy, and are able to have children and enjoy relief from their symptoms. Some women with this think they may never have children, but go on to have large families. There is no cure, but if the early stages of endometriosis are noticed, it can be managed much more easily.
Don’t forget to sign up for the free endometriosis newsletter that uncovers effective ways to help women combat endometriosis symptoms at Treating Your Endometriosis. You’ll also find more about the different stages of endometriosis and how to go about getting a diagnosis.
I have stage 2 endo. I’ve had two surgies in the past 3 years. However, still not pregnant. My peroids are still painful. Doe you thing I’m estrogen dominant? Any, thoughts on how I can have a painfree period and get pregnant? thank you angie
Hi there my name is Cheryl. I’m 23 years old. I had a laporoscopy 20th August 2004. My Dr told me that i would not be able to have children at that time. I was trying to fall preganant for over a year already. I got some pills to fall pregnant. I was blessed with twin girls. They were born 03 June 2005. I had n Mirena fitted after 6 weeks. I went to my gynae a week ago because i started showing the simptoms of endometriosis again.
Sadly to say he wants me to have another operation. I’m so scared that it’s not even 3years ago that i had my first operation.How many operations would it take before the doctor tells me to have a hystorectomy. That is my worst fear right now. I don’t want any more children, but i also don’t want my womanhood to be taken from me.
Do you have any comforting comment to help me through this tough time. Any comments is welcome. Thank you for your newsletter.
Endometriosis is one of the signs of estrogen dominance, along with irregular menstrual periods. For a full list of symptoms visit the following page http://www.natural-progesteron.....inance.php.
You’ll be able to read about the benefits of natural Progesterone cream which could help ease your painful periods.
It is not uncommon for endometriosis symptoms to return after surgery and just because you are having an additional operation this does not necessarily mean you are headed for a full hysterectomy - read my post about this http://treatendometriosis.com/.....es-common/. ” target=”_blank”>here.
Have you thought about trying some holistic treatments to compliment the treatment your doctor is suggesting? These include acupuncture, traditional chinese medicine, herbal treatments, homeopathy, naturopathy and use of essential oils. Results do take longer to be felt, but they are less invasive and look at the body as a whole rather than concentrating on specific symptoms. Do some research on these topics, you’ll find a post on the blog about acupuncture and have a discussion with your doctor.
Endometriosis is definitely estrogen dominant. This means no more milk, red meat, any soy product, commercial cleaning and laundry products, chocolate, and I know there are more but can’t think of anymore right now. Be careful with progesterone…it shouldn’t have wild yams, oils, or parabens.
i’ve been seeking many drs in the last few years for lower back pain and every where i turn i get a closed door and they don’t know what is causing all the pain. it has totally crippled my llife as in i can’t clean house, bend over, 4 wheeler riding and i’ve missed a lot of work d/t the pain is so bad. i was told when i had my tubal that i had endometriosis and the dr removed 3 spots. i hurt tremendous several days before my menstral cycle and if i skip a month then its almost impossible to stand. can the back pain be caused by the endometriosis.
Endometriosis can cause back pain - it’s one of the more common symptoms and usually is felt in the lower back. I would recommend speaking to your doctor about your back pain to rule out other causes. If endometriosis is the cause you can try a number of natural methods to ease it such as acupuncture, massage, using a TENS machine, yoga and other forms of gentle exercise. NSAIDs are an option but not good for long term relief due to their potential side effects.
hello all. i know how everyone feels. i to was diagonised but too late. i had horrible doctors. last march i had to have a full hysto, cervix and all. it hurt like no other pain. the worst was not being able to hae more kids. the fact that i couldnt give my husband a son. im not sure if i will ever get over that. before my surgury i was in so much pain all the doctor did was pump me full of codien. so after 6 yrs of unexplained pain im pain free. even though i lost the ability to have kids its so awsome to be pain free. i too thought all kinds of crazy things about my body when i was told i had to have the hysto. but in the end i can honestly say it was worth it. im still a woman, i still have women feelings, my sex life is wonderful because i can feel the pleasure now and not the pain. im still me just a pain free me now. that in itself is the best gift of all.
Hi I just had a tubal ligation and while I was under they discovered endo, so did the surgery for that as well. I am so glad that they finally found a reason for the back pain, trouble with bowel movements nausea and fatigue I have been feeling on a regular basis. Ive had so much time off work without explaination which is not a good thing and I swear my Dr thought it was all psychosomatic. ( I will be changing Dr’s too) Im just so glad they can put a name to the problem and I can start looking at different therapies for controlling this condition. Thank you for the info on this site it has been exceptionally helpful.
what is the name of these magic pills that helps you get pregnate i am only 21 and i have lost my business due to the pain of this endometreosis and now that i am home all the time i do wish to have a child wdid?
I just found out I have endometriois. My options are Lupron or hystorectomy. I am scared of the Lupron. Birth control and the Mirena did not work. Help
for quite sometime i have noticed alot of pain close to when my period was due, also noticed the pain is in my lower back and down my legs. doctor confirmed it and told me it is because of my cesarians, i have two kids and would love to have another, but i am so afraid because i have been trying to get pregnant for sometime now.