Endometrial tissue lines a woman’s uterus. This lining is known as the endometrium. The body produces a new endometrium with each menstrual cycle in preparation for a fertilized egg. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue develops outside of the uterus.
According to experts, endometriosis affects approximately 11% of girls in the U.S. between the ages of 15 and 44. It is more prevalent in people in their 30s and 40s.
In this post, we’ll look at what endometriosis is, its types, what symptoms to look out for, potential causes of endometriosis, and treatments available such as weed. Virginia weed delivery is an option for those needing medical marijuana to help treat their endometriosis.
By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of endometriosis and its treatments. So let’s dive in.
What is Endometriosis?
A person with endometriosis grows tissue outside the uterus that looks similar to the endometrium lining. Endometriosis tissue that develops outside the uterus isn’t the same as endometrial tissue, yet they share similar characteristics. This tissue can develop anywhere on your body, but it usually affects the pelvis area, including:
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
- Outside of the uterus
- Tissues that support the uterus
Endometrial tissue can also form in other places, such as the digestive system, the lungs, and the region around the heart. The body normally expels this type of tissue with menstruation, but endometriosis tissue may linger in the body, causing inflammation. Scar tissue may occur as tissue decomposes.
Endometriosis can have a substantial impact on a person’s quality of life. In addition to the pain, people may feel stress from:
- Chronic pain
- Work
- Medical care costs
- Relationships
- Keeping a social life
- Fears of not being able to conceive
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
According to a 2013 study, acquiring a correct diagnosis can take an average of 6.7 years. Patients can miss up to 10.8 hours of work per week during this time due to the condition’s incapacitating effects.
Endometriosis Types
Endometriosis is classified into three kinds based on where it occurs:
- Endometrioma (ovarian lesion)
- Deeply infiltrating endometriosis
- Superficial peritoneal lesion
Endometriosis Signs and Symptoms
The most common sign of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which is frequently associated with menstruation. Although many women experience muscle cramps throughout their menstrual periods, many with endometriosis regularly experience far worse menstrual pain than usual. Pain may also worsen over time.
The following signs and symptoms characterize endometriosis:
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
- Excessive menstrual bleeding
- Intercourse pain
- Bowel or urination pain
- Infertility
Menstruation can also cause fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and nausea. Your condition’s severity may not always be accurately predicted by how much pain you are in. Endometriosis can be mild and cause severe pain, or it can be advanced and cause little to no pain.
Causes of Endometriosis
Although the precise cause of endometriosis is unknown, the following factors may contribute:
1. Retrograde menstruation
Retrograde menstruation occurs when menstrual blood with endometrial cells returns through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis. These endometrial cells adhere to the surfaces of the pelvic organs and pelvic walls, where they develop throughout each menstrual cycle, thickening and bleeding.
2. Peritoneal cell transformation
According to the “induction theory,” which has been put forth by researchers, hormonal changes or responses encourage peritoneal cells, which line the inside of your abdomen, to change into tissue.
3. Transformation of embryonic cells
During puberty, hormones like estrogen may cause embryonic cells, still in the early stages of development, to develop into endometrial-like cell implants.
4. Implantation of surgical scars
Endometrial cells may adhere to an incision following surgery, such as a hysterectomy or C-section.
5. Transport of endometrial cells
Blood vessels or the tissue fluid (lymphatic) system might transport endometrial cells to different body parts.
6. Disorder of the immune system
The body may not be able to recognize and eliminate endometrial-like tissue that is developing outside the uterus if there is an issue with the immune system.
Treatments for Endometriosis
Endometriosis cannot be cured. Surgery or medication is frequently used as treatment. To find a treatment that improves your condition, you might need to try a few different ones.
1. Pain medication
Your physician may suggest a non-prescription painkiller. Many people find relief from NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or both. Ask about other possibilities if these don’t help you feel better. You can also use Cannabis for the pain, but ensure you get it from legit vendors.
2. Hormone Therapy
In addition to stopping your period, hormonal therapy reduces the amount of estrogen your body produces. Lesions bleed less, and cysts, scarring, and inflammation are significantly lowered.
Common hormone therapies include:
- Birth control pills, vaginal rings, and patches
- Inhibitors and agonists of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH).
- Contraceptives that only contain estrogen
3. Surgical Procedures
Your physician may advise surgery to remove as much of the damaged tissue as possible. Surgery can sometimes relieve symptoms and increase your chance of becoming pregnant. Your surgeon might perform a standard procedure with larger incisions or a laparoscope.
After surgery, pain can occasionally return. In the worst scenarios, you might require a hysterectomy to remove your ovaries, uterus, and cervix. However, you cannot become pregnant later on without them.
Conclusion
Endometriosis can produce uncomfortable symptoms that are challenging to treat. Home remedies can occasionally aid in symptom management, but combining them with other treatment options recommended by your doctor is best.
