Recognizing the Symptoms of Endometriosis: When to Seek Help

Understanding the symptoms of endometriosis is key to getting the right help and feeling better. Endometriosis can cause a lot of pain and affect your daily life, but knowing what to look for can make a big difference. By recognizing these symptoms early, you can get the care and support you need to manage this condition.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic structures. Less commonly, it is found on the bowel (intestine), appendix, diaphragm, or in the lung cavity.  This tissue behaves similarly to endometrial tissue inside the uterus: thickening, breaking down, and bleeding or releasing inflammatory molecules during each menstrual cycle.

Unlike the lining of the uterus that sheds during menstruation, endometriosis tissue doesn’t shed and often doesn’t just go away. This leads to localized inflammation, scar tissue formation (adhesions and fibrosis), and pain as surrounding tissues react. Endometriosis lesions can develop their own blood supply and their own nerve supply as well.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis-related pelvic pain can vary in intensity and type:

• Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain that may worsen during menstrual periods.
• Cyclical Pain: Pain that follows the menstrual cycle, often becoming more intense before or during your period.
• Location and Severity: Pain can occur in the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower back, or rectal area, but can also cause chest pain, rib pain, or sciatica down the back of the legs.

Menstrual Irregularities

Endometriosis can cause abnormal bleeding patterns and painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea):

Abnormal Bleeding: Heavy periods (menorrhagia) are associated with endometriosis that has invaded the uterine muscular wall (adenomyosis).

Dysmenorrhea: Severe cramping (like contractions) during periods that impact daily activities.

Other Symptoms and Signs

Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Endometriosis can cause pain during or after sexual intercourse, often due to pelvic inflammation, scar tissue, or nerve sensitization, or secondary pelvic floor muscular pain.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Symptoms may include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and rectal “lightning” like pain, and abdominal pain, especially just before and during menstruation.

Infertility

Endometriosis is the leading cause of infertility in women, affecting fertility by both creating an inhospitable environment for a sperm and egg to meet due to inflammation, causing blockage of the fallopian tubes due to adhesions and scarring, or causing damage to the ovaries so eggs are damaged or destroyed.

Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic pain can lead to persistent fatigue, Postural Orthostatic Hypotension Syndrome (POTS), and, in some cases, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

When To Seek Help

Endometriosis symptoms can vary, but certain signs warrant medical attention:

• Severe pelvic pain that disrupts daily life
• Chronic pelvis pain not relieved by over-the-counter medications
• Abnormal bleeding patterns, such as heavy bleeding or bleeding between periods
• Difficulty conceiving despite trying for over a year
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like severe bloating, constipation, or diarrhea during menstruation
• Painful bowel movements during your menstrual period or blood in your stool during your period.
• Severe bloating during your menstrual period (sometimes called ‘endo-belly’)
• Chest pain or shortness of breath during your menstrual period.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek help for proper diagnosis and effective treatment of endometriosis.

Importance of Consulting with an Endometriosis Specialist

Treating endometriosis requires consulting with a medical expert. Unfortunately, not all doctors are trained to manage endometriosis with all of the tools available. If you suspect you have endometriosis or are experiencing symptoms, it's important to schedule an appointment with an endometriosis specialist.

Accurate Diagnosis: Only specialists can accurately diagnose endometriosis by office ultrasounds due to experience and expertise in seeing subtler signs of the disease beyond ovarian cysts. Likewise, only an endometriosis specialist is trained to manage all forms of endometriosis surgically, even when it is severe.

Personalized Treatment: A specialist will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, symptoms, and goals. They know about the latest treatments, from medications to surgeries, ensuring you get the best care.

Symptom Management: A deep understanding of endometriosis guides specialists to think about all of the body systems that may be affected by the disease and offer treatment solutions from diet to supplements to prescription medications as well as surgery.  They can also guide you in planning for future pregnancies.

Ongoing Monitoring: Regular visits to an endometriosis specialist ensure that any changes in your condition are detected early and managed promptly.

Emotional Support: Living with endometriosis can be emotionally challenging. Specialists understand this and can offer compassionate support, counseling, and connect you with resources like support groups and mental health professionals.

Steps to Prepare for a Doctor's Visit

Preparing for a doctor's visit can enhance the effectiveness of your consultation:

• Keep a detailed menstrual and pain diary documenting symptoms, their severity, and patterns observed.
• Be prepared to talk about treatments you’ve tried in the past and what your goals are going forward.
• Prepare written questions about symptoms, treatment options, and potential lifestyle modifications.

Treat Endometriosis Today with The Center For Advanced Gynecology

The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on endometriosis. Dr. Barron is a specialist in endometriosis surgery training at the premier centers in the country. Our compassionate team also provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.