Affecting around 200 million females worldwide, endometriosis is a women's health condition in which the uterine lining grows in areas outside of the uterus— typically near the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or along the pelvis. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with this condition, you may want to know more about it. To help you understand this common women's health issue, here’s an introduction to endometriosis and your treatment options.

All You Need to Know About Endometriosis

Symptoms

Painful periods, often accompanied by abdominal cramps or back pain, are among the most widely reported endometriosis symptoms. Other signs include heavy menstrual bleeding, pain when urinating or having a bowel movement, infertility, and pain during intercourse.

Causes

The precise cause of endometriosis is not known, but there are several different conditions that might contribute to its development. Retrograde menstruation involves menstrual blood backing up into the pelvis, where it adheres to and thickens the pelvic walls.

Hormonal issues may play a role as well. In a process known as embryonic cell transformation, for instance, hormones are thought to change embryo cells into endometrial cells during puberty. Genetics and immune system disorders can also increase the risk for this condition.

Treatment

While there is no known cure for this women’s health condition, there are treatments that can alleviate your symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers are sometimes helpful for managing associated discomfort. Since fluctuating hormone levels during menstruation are thought to contribute to the thickening and dysfunction of endometrial tissue, hormone therapy can supplement and stabilize hormones like estrogen in the body, which may be beneficial. Surgery to remove affected tissue is usually an option if other treatment methods don’t provide relief. Keep in mind that some women experience recurring symptoms even after surgical procedures.

The medical providers at Hillside Family Medicine offer comprehensive health care services to the Anchorage, AK, area. In addition to treating women's health issues with treatments like hormone therapy, they provide family medical care, pediatrics, and occupational medicine. They have over 20 years of experience in finding the solutions to address the unique needs of every patient. Learn more about what they do on their website or call (907) 344-0200 to schedule an appointment.