Endometriosis is a chronic (ongoing) autoimmune condition. Like other autoimmune conditions, antibodies attack the cells of some of their own organs. More recently, endometriosis has been diagnosed in younger women – even teenagers. Sometimes endometriosis is discovered by accident (e.g. during abdominal surgery) but mostly when women are looking for answers to their period problems.
Endometriosis is when tissue from the womb (called the endometrium which is shed when you have a period) somehow gets through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis. The problem is that this tissue is influenced by the cycle of menstrual hormones and bleeds slightly with every period.
This intermittent bleeding from endometrial tissue outside the womb can affect other organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel and urethra (urinary tube). This tissue can become like ‘glue’ and make these organs ‘stick’ together and interfere with the way they work.
Symptoms of endometriosis are severe period pain, painful sex and difficulty conceiving. It’s also associated with painful ovulation, heavy and/or irregular periods, severe backache before periods begin and pain when passing stool or urine.
The condition affects between 1 – 15% of women and is not conclusively genetic. Many women with endometriosis today are older ‘career women’ who have chosen to delay motherhood – but this is not always the case.
A diagnosis is made on symptoms and treatment means eliminating these. Treatment can be hormonal to mimic menopause and a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, evening primrose oil and selenium. It’s best to speak to a homeopath about natural treatment.
