The 8 signs you could be suffering from endometriosis – from heavy periods to pain during sex

The 8 signs you could be suffering from endometriosis – from heavy periods to pain during sex

04/25/2021

ENDOMETRIOSIS affects around 1.5 million women in the UK, but despite this, many still don't know the key signs to look out for.

It's still a topic that's swept under the carpet even though it's one of the most common gynaecological conditions that a woman can experience.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition which occurs when tissue from the lining of the womb is found outside of the womb – in areas of the body including the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, the abdomen and the bladder.

Endometriosis can sometimes cause damage to the Fallopian tubes or ovaries, leading to fertility problems.

Other complications can include painful ovarian cysts and adhesions – areas of tissue which can fuse organs together.

In a bid to help others with the condition, women have been sharing stories about their experiences of endometriosis.

One young woman said she will have to wait two years for surgery for endometriosis, even though she faints and struggles with the symptoms.

Another woman was forced to go through the menopause at the age of 26 because of the debilitating condition.

Endometriosis can be dismissed as bad period pain and often goes undiagnosed for years.

Because of this, it sometimes takes women years to receive the right treatment for their condition.

But what signs should you be looking out for?

1. Painful and heavy menstrual flow

Experts behind the SORA app, designed by health start-up Syrona, said painful periods are one of the key signs of the condition.

If these symptoms become persistent and common during your cycle then it could mean you have endometriosis.

The experts said: "Heavy bleeding, known as menorrhagia, is usually defined as menstrual bleeding that lasts more than 7 days.

"If you change your tampon or pad every 2 hours or less or you have visible blood clots the size of a penny then you may have menorrhagia."

2. Long periods

Most women have a period that lasts between two and seven days and occurs every 21 to 35 days.

But experts say if you regularly have your period at shorter intervals or experience prolonged periods, this may also be a symptom of endometriosis.

3. Pelvic pain and cramps

Most women will experience cramps at some point in their lifetime, so it can be hard to determine what's normal.

The specialists at SORA said: "This is one of the reasons why endometriosis often goes undiagnosed.

"Cramps may be a sign of endometriosis if they prevent you from carrying out your daily routine and when over the counter medication doesn’t help the pain."

4. Pain during or after sex

If having sex in a certain position gives you pain or if you're in pain after you've had sex then this could be a sign of endometriosis.

SORA experts said: "The pain is caused by inflammation and fibrosis fusing the front wall of the rectum to the back wall of the vagina."

While the experts said this can be hard to talk about with a health professional, they urged women to come forward with this symptom as it will help you receive an accurate diagnosis.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition which occurs when tissue from the lining of the womb is found outside of the womb – in areas of the body including the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, the abdomen and the bladder.

So what causes the condition that so many women suffers from?

The exact cause of the condition isn't known, but it's thought it could be hereditary or due to environmental factors – namely the presence of dioxins in the environment.

Meanwhile, other experts believe it could be caused by a process called retrograde menstruation, which is when the womb lining flows backwards through the Fallopian tubes into the abdomen, instead of leaving the body as a period.

Endometriosis can sometimes cause damage to the Fallopian tubes or ovaries, leading to fertility problems.

Other complications can include painful ovarian cysts and adhesions – areas of tissue which can fuse organs together.

5. Nausea and vomiting

This is a symptom that is common with normal periods but headaches, migraines and vomiting can also be a sign of endometriosis, particularly when combined with other symptoms.

It's important to keep track of your symptoms so you are able to notice any changes to your usual cycle.

There are a range of apps available for women who want to track their periods.

6. Chronic fatigue

We can all feel a little bit under the weather when aunt flo comes to visit, but if you're chronically tired then it could mean you have endometriosis.

The experts said: "If you find yourself sleeping more than usual, lacking energy, and feeling very lethargic or dizzy this may be a sign of chronic fatigue.

"While fatigue alone is not necessarily a sign of endometriosis and could be down to many other causes such as anemia, thyroid issues, or low blood sugar, it is something that should be checked out with a doctor anyway to discover the cause."

7. Bowel and urinary disorders

If these symptoms are coupled with others then the experts at SORA say it's something you should look out for.

They said: "Painful bowel movements or urination, flatulence, or diarrhoea during your period, are often common side-effects of your monthly period, however they may also be signs of endometriosis. "

8. Constipation while on your period

For most people, being on your period means your bowels flow a little bit more freely than usual.

But if you're constipated on your period then it could be a sign of endometriosis.

The experts said: "While similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), if the constipation occurs around the time you start your period, the tissue is responding to the hormonal cycle of your period, swelling, and affecting the tissue around it, which is more likely to be a sign of endometriosis."

If you think you have endometriosis then you should speak to your doctor straight away.

There is no cure for endometriosis, but it can be managed, and there are a number of approaches to doing this.

Some women are prescribed pain medications which target inflammation, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Meanwhile, others are given hormonal treatment to limit the production of oestrogen, which encourages endometriosis tissue to grow.

These treatments include oral contraceptives including the combined pill, or intrauterine systems (more commonly known as the coil).

However, some women, like Loose Women's Andrea McLean, opt for surgery.

The TV presenter had a hysterctomy after she spent five years battling perimenopause – the transitional stage before menopause with unpleasant side-effects including hot flushes and heart palpitations.

Actress Lena Dunham, 31, also revealed that she’s had a full hysterectomy after suffering from endometriosis – but still hopes to have children.

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