Women Health: 5 Early Signs of Endometriosis

A woman  undoubtedly is considered most strong mentally but when it comes to physical strength, it is not that she is any less but over the period of time it deteriorates. That’s because despite of ensuring the entire family’s good health always she has hardly paid any attention to her own well being but I am glad the times are changing today. As I sit here in a park I see a lot of women around me working on their fitness early morn and that gives me immense hope because women empowerment for me is also related to women feeling healthy and strong.

Apart from working on our fitness every woman should also work towards not ignoring any signs of disease when her body starts giving signals and get a proper check up and diagnosis done early on to avoid any complications. In this women health series, we will share with you some common yet less known illnesses in women which if left untreated can cause her bigger some times even life threatening harm in the long run. So, today we talk of endometriosis. As many of you would know I have battled it for 10 long years and will not wish anyone else to go through the same pain. Thus, I share here what’s endometriosis and what are its five early signs which a woman should watch out for.

Why Endometriosis first? 

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) yes you heard it right and it often goes undiagnosed until it reaches a later stage, firstly, because of the complexity of diagnosing it and second because women have a habit of bearing it all and pay no attention to their health. I am a live example in front of you all, despite of being so educated and so aware I didn’t reach the root cause until I needed urgent surgical intervention...but if one gets diagnosed early it can be easily managed and that's my goal in this series. 

What is Endometriosis? 

Endometriosis is a gynaecological disease in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, even on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the intestines.

In a more layman terms, the menstrual blood which we discharge every month during our periods gets spattered back into our system rather then flowing out and gums together our organs as it gets sticky over a period of time. Don't want to explain here how worse it can get if left untreated for years, infecting and crushing many adjacent organs.

This health condition is linked to high level of estrogen hormone in a woman's body.

Unfortunately endometriosis still remains an enigma for medical science, its cause is unknown and it is not possible to get rid of it completely until you get your uterus removed. I will share more about its management and treatment as I progress in this series of articles. But first the most significant part, its early signs....I will try to include as much information as possible here.

The 5 Early Signs of Endometriosis 

Note: Remember a woman suffering from endometriosis may or may not have any or all of the below symptoms and can be symptom free too. Remember why it is called an enigma!

1. Painful periods: If you have unbearable pelvic pain and stomach cramps including lower back much before your menstrual periods sets in which continues right through the periods too, then you must get yourself screened for endometriosis. This pain is a very staunch pain and is often colicky in nature too. In the long run popping painkillers won’t help. Sometimes you may also have irregular periods because of this condition.

2. Pain during bowel movements or urination: Since the endometrial tissue grows outside your uterus too and sticks together your organs one can experience pain during bowel movements or urination. If this is the case, request your gynaecologist to screen you for Endometriosis. 

3. Infertility: Since this is a disorder of your reproductive system, you are most likely to be screened for endometriosis if you are battling infertility. Post diagnosis these implants are cleaned surgically and one can conceive naturally. 

4. Excessive Bleeding:  If you have way too much flow suddenly or bleeding between two consecutive periods it is likely that you may have this disease. So visit a doctor as soon as possible. 

5. Pain during Intercourse:  Pain during or after intercourse in common in this medical condition and there is no need to hide it from your partner rather visit your doctor with him.

Also, if during periods you experience diarrhoea, bloating, nausea, fatigue or constipation they all indicate that you need a simple treatment required for endometriosis if detected in tests. If delayed the pain takes chronic dimensions and your threshold to bear it falls drastically which is so natural and surgery becomes the only option.

These are some symptoms that suggest we need a checkup girls. Another reason  why you must not wait until the pain gets really bad is because the degree of pain here is not directly proportional to the extent of disease. So don’t delay, health is wealth, you are precious for yourself and your family. If you friend or daughter or sister has these issues, it’s high time to get medical help.

In the coming articles I will tell you about the methods of diagnosis, treatments, medications, side effects, what to eat, what not to and holistic lifestyle changes to manage this disturbing disorder of women which often takes a toll on our mental health too. Rest assured this can be fixed. 

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and am sharing with you all that I have learnt during the course of this disease.

If you like what I write, you can grab the copies of my four published books here: The Fragrance of True Love, Destiny's Favorite Child, Dare to Defy The Destiny and Empowered Women Empower Women