March is Endometriosis Awareness Month
3/6/2023
Evon Schexnaydre, MD, Aspirus Board Certified OB-GYN
March is
Endometriosis Awareness Month, and Aspirus Health wants women to be aware
of important health symptoms they should not ignore.
Endometriosis
is a condition in which the tissue that forms the lining of
the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside the uterus. It’s most
common in women in their 30s and 40s, but endometriosis can happen in anyone
with menstrual periods. According to the Office on Women’s Health (OWH),
researchers believe it may affect at least 11 percent of women.
Diagnosis & Treatment
The condition can
cause a myriad of uncomfortable symptoms, including chronic pelvic pain,
painful bowel movements, heavy menstrual bleeding, pain during intercourse,
digestive problems and infertility.
“If someone is
experiencing pelvic pain of any kind, especially during and around menstrual
time, when using the bathroom and/or during intercourse, they should discuss
with their OB/GYN,” says Evon Schexnaydre, MD, Board Certified OB/GYN at
Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic – N Shore Dr. “It could be a sign that something
else is going on, since endometriosis symptoms can mimic other conditions, so
it’s best to come in for an exam so we can determine a proper diagnosis and
next steps for treatment.”
Treatment options vary
and depend on the extent of the disease and the symptoms, and whether the
patient wants to grow their family. Endometriosis may be treated with
medication, surgery, or both. When pain is the primary problem, medication
usually is tried first.
“Medication may
include pain medications, birth control to prevent menstrual cycles and reduce
the amount of menstrual bleeding when a period occurs, or special medications
to suppress the ovaries from ovulating and menstrual bleeding temporarily. In
some cases, surgery is needed but should be discussed with your provider,”
explained Dr. Schexnaydre.
Risk Reduction
Endometriosis cannot
be prevented, but there are ways to lower estrogen levels, the hormone that
helps to thicken the lining of your uterus during your menstrual cycle, and
reduce the chances of developing the condition. To keep lower estrogen levels
in your body, OWH offers the following suggestions:
- Talk to your provider about hormonal birth control
methods, such as pills, patches or rings with lower doses of
estrogen.
- Exercise regularly (more than four hours a
week). This will also help you keep a low percentage of body
fat. Regular exercise and a lower amount of body fat help decrease the
amount of estrogen circulating through the body.
- Avoid large amounts of alcohol. Alcohol
raises estrogen levels. No more than one drink per day is recommended for
women who choose to drink alcohol.
- Avoid large amounts of drinks with caffeine. Studies
show that drinking more than one caffeinated drink a day, especially sodas and
green tea, can raise estrogen levels.
The bottom line? If
anyone with a menstrual period is experiencing any endometriosis symptoms, they
should talk with their OB/GYN promptly. For more information or to find an
Aspirus OB/GYN, visit www.aspirus.org/obstetrics-gynecology
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