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Endometriosis & Dysmenorrhea

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Periods can HURT!

In 2003, I had to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy (I kept one ovary) because of Stage IV endometriosis and adhesions. I had lived most of my life with the kind of dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) and endometriosis that made me want to die.  I never knew I had endomentriosis until I went under the knife. Just 6 months before a routine GYN exam warranted an MRI for what appeared to be fibroids (and were later found to be scarring from endometriosis). My life up to that point had been a painful and bumpy ride.

Update: November 2009 -- in late October I had to get my final (right) ovary removed and had an appendectomy at the same time.  There were still endometrial implants and some adhesions.  I am in the process of healing and am on an Estradiol patch (Estraderm .05).  The patch is helping me through the hot flashes, etc -- menopause.  The surgery was WORTH IT!

If you are here, you may be wondering what is going on in your body or you may already know and you seek more information. Did you know that a woman who suffers from "endo" and cramps can experience depression from chronic illness, loss of work and a sometimes unsurmountable amount of pain? I want to let you know that I understand and that this lens is for you. For a down & dirty definition and explanation:

DESCRIPTION
Severe, painful cramps during menstruation. Primary dysmenorrhea means pain has recurred regularly or within a year or two of the first period (puberty). Secondary dysmenorrhea means pain began years after periods started. Women with dysmenorrhea are generally fertile. Severity of symptoms varies greatly from woman to woman, and from one time to the next in the same woman. Dysmenorrhea usually is less severe after a woman has had a baby.

FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Cramping and sometimes sharp pains in the lower abdomen, lower back and thighs. The pain starts at onset of menses and lasts for hours to days. Nausea and vomiting (sometimes). Diarrhea(occasionally). Sweating Lack of energy. Urinary frequency. Irritability, nervousness, depression.

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Physical Comfort for Pain Management

What is endometriosis?

http://www.health.uab.edu/default.aspx?pid=14890

The name comes from the word "endometrium," which is the tissue that lines the uterus. During a woman's regular menstrual cycle, this tissue builds up and is shed if she does not become pregnant. Women with endometriosis develop tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue outside the uterus, usually on other reproductive organs inside the pelvis or in the abdominal cavity. Each month, this misplaced tissue responds to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle by building up and breaking down just as the endometrium does, resulting in internal bleeding.

Unlike menstrual fluid from the uterus which is shed by the body, blood from the misplaced tissue has nowhere to go, resulting in the tissues surrounding the endometriosis becoming inflamed or swollen. This process can produce scar tissue around the area which may develop into lesions or growths. In some cases, particularly when an ovary is involved, the blood can become embedded in the tissue where it is located, forming blood blisters that may become surrounded by a fibrous cyst.

Staging Endometrosis

http://www.health.uab.edu/default.aspx?pid=14890

What are the different stages of endometriosis?

A staging system has been developed by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (formerly the American Fertility Society). The stages are classified according to the following:

Stage - Level of Severity

Stage I - minimal
Stage II - mild
Stage III - moderate
Stage IV - severe

The stage of endometriosis is based on the location, amount, depth, and size of the endometrial implants. Specific criteria include:

  • the extent of the spread of the implants

  • the involvement of pelvic structures in the disease

  • the extent of pelvic adhesions

  • the blockage of the fallopian tubes

The stage of the endometriosis does not necessarily reflect the level of pain experienced, risk of infertility, or symptoms present.
For example, it is possible for a woman in Stage I to be in tremendous pain, while a woman in Stage IV may be asymptomatic. In addition, women who receive reatment during the first two stages of the disease have the greatest chance of regaining their ability to become pregnant following treatment.

For more detailed reading and the rest of this article, please visit the UAB Health System website

Physical Comfort for Pain Management

Have Endometriosis? This research study NEEDS you. I did it, you can too.

endtoendo.com

Join the Study and Help our Future! 

Menstrual Cramps Poll

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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): A severe form of PMS

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pmdd/AN01372

For a few days each month before my period, I experience malaise, mental confusion, difficulty concentrating and overwhelming fatigue. What causes this? What can I do about it?



The symptoms you describe likely are due to a condition known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). About 75 percent of menstruating women experience mild to moderate premenstrual symptoms. But up to 8 percent of menstruating women have PMDD - a severe, sometimes disabling form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is distinguished from PMS by the severity of its symptoms and its impact on relationships and daily activities. Symptoms of PMDD occur in the last week of the menstrual cycle and usually improve within a few days after menstruation begins. These include:

  • Persistent sadness or depression

  • Marked anxiety, feelings of being "keyed up" or "on edge"

  • Mood swings often marked by periods of teariness

  • Persistent or marked anger or irritability

  • Decreased interest in usual activities

  • Fatigue or lethargy

  • A feeling of being overwhelmed or out of control

  • Flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches, headaches and joint pain

  • Changes in sleep patterns — problems falling and staying asleep or sleeping too much

  • Changes in appetite — overeating, lack of appetite or specific food cravings


The cause of PMDD isn't clear. Major depression is very common with PMDD. But PMDD can also occur in women who do not have a history of major depression.

PMDD - continued

A doctor may diagnose premenstrual dysphoric disorder based on its pattern of symptoms. Your doctor may recommend that you keep a diary to record the type, severity, duration and timing of your symptoms. This information may help your doctor diagnose PMDD and determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

Treatment of PMDD is directed at preventing or minimizing symptoms and may include:


  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Taken before or at the onset of your period, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can ease cramping and breast discomfort.

  • Antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) reduce symptoms such as fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems.

  • Oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives stop ovulation and stabilize hormone fluctuations, which reduces mood swings.

  • Nutritional supplements. Consuming 1,000 milligrams of dietary and supplemental calcium daily may reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of PMDD.

  • Herbal remedies. Clinical trials suggest that chasteberry - also called chaste tree berry - may reduce irritability, mood swings, anger and headaches associated with PMDD.

  • Diet and lifestyle changes. Regular exercise often reduces premenstrual symptoms. Decreasing caffeine intake can alleviate anxiety and irritability. Also, eating more carbohydrates in the week before your period may improve mood and memory.

It's important that you review your symptoms with your doctor. A thorough medical evaluation can determine if symptoms are due to PMDD or some other condition. If you are diagnosed with PMDD, your doctor can recommend specific treatments to help minimize the impact PMDD has on the days you experience symptoms.

Links

Dysmenorrhea - HealthWorld Online
A brief overview is outlined by Dr. Hoffman.
Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)
A military pamphlet about the causes, symptoms, risk factors, prevention, treatment and danger signs of painful menstruation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Describes in detail how TCM practitioners in China solve dysmenorrhea with traditional strategies and herbs.
UCLA The Ashe Center
Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea) Handouts
Inlet Medical, Inc. - Dysmenorrhea
A web site for women experiencing pain during menstruation as a result of a tipped or retroverted uterus.
Dysmenorrhea: BUPA Factsheet
A concise fact sheet on causes, symptoms and treatment of dysmenorrhea.
HysterSisters.com
Hysterectomy Support by HysterSisters.com - an online forum and support forum for women and families affected by and looking for support with hysterectomy and related issues.
Menstrual Cramps
Articles and questions / answers. More than one in every two women suffer from it each month, and about one in four are so badly affected that they have to take time off work or school.
Yahoo Groups: Dysmenorrhea Support
A discussion board where women with dysmenorrhea can vent, share, learn through materials from many great websites, and find support. Find joining instructions.
About Getting Rid of Menstrual Cramps
Elizabeth Smith, MD tells about John Lee, MD's experience of using Natural Progesterone to get rid of menstrual cramping. The cause of menstrual cramps is also presented.

Endometriosis Resources

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Endometriosis

Endometriosis is often one of the main causes of menstrual cramps. As a woman who suffered severely from cramps her whole life and after a hysterectomy was told she had "Grade IV Endometriosis", I recommend education.
Endometriosis Org
Welcome to endometriosis.org

Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of pelvic pain and infertility in women. If you want to know more about endometriosis and how to treat it, you have come to the right place!
Endometriosis Association
The Endometriosis Association was the first organization in the world created for those with endometriosis. As an independent self-help organization of women with endometriosis, doctors, and others interested in the disease, it is a recognized authority in its field whose goal is to work toward finding a cure for the disease as well as providing education, support, and research.
Medline Plus - Endometriosis
A great NIH link with a multitude of information al resources.

Videos about Endometriosis

Yes, some actually exist :)

Endometriosis
by peixplain | video info

12 ratings | 14,203 views
automatically generated by YouTube

Endometriosis Links

The following list of resources deal with endometriosis -- a common reason for menstrual pain (cramps).

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Endometriosis

Endometriosis. Information on treatment of endomet more...1 point

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Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common health problem in women. more...1 point

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Endometriosis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Endometriosis is a common medical condition affect more...1 point

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Endometriosis Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment by ...

Information on endometriosis, its causes, symptoms more...1 point

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The Endometriosis Association

Non-profit organization dedicated to providing inf more...1 point

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Endometriosis - MayoClinic.com

Endometriosis &38212; Comprehensive overview c more...1 point

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Endometriosis and Infertility

Atlanta Reproductive Healthcare Centre's endometri more...1 point

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MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue t more...1 point

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MedlinePlus: Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a problem affecting a woman's ute more...1 point

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Endometriosis -- familydoctor.org

Discusses what it is, how it is diagnosed, and tre more...1 point

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Endometriosis

Consumer health resource center providing an overv more...1 point

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Endometriosis Association Information

Endometriosis is a puzzling disease affecting wome more...1 point

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Endometriosis Research Center

ERC is a non-profit research & resource center more...0 points

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MedlinePlus Interactive Tutorials: Endometriosis

Endometriosis. Start Tutorial. Starts multimedia p more...0 points

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Welcome to the EndometriosisZone

Register for Endometriosis ZONE Updates if you wou more...0 points

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eMedicine - Endometriosis : Article by Turandot Saul, MD

Endometriosis - Endometriosis is the presence of e more...0 points

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eMedicine - Endometriosis : Article by Turandot Saul, MD

Endometriosis - Endometriosis is the presence of e more...0 points

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Endometriosis

Read this article to learn all about endometriosis more...0 points

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Endometriosis FAQ

Q. Is there a relationship between endometriosis a more...0 points

Heating Pads

Heating pads were always a staple for me. I traveled with one, and always had one handy in the house.
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Chillows on eBay

Love the Chillow!

This is one of the BEST little "devices" (for lack of a better word) that I have found for hot flashes, cramps, menstrual migraines, etc.
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Pain Medication on Amazon

The NSAIDS are the best option for fighting menstrual cramps because they inhibit prostoglandin synthesis (one of the main culprits of cramps). Here you can get some great deals on bulk buys.
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Teas on Amazon

Teas for PMS and digestion.
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Traditional Herbal Teas

Amazon allows you to buy tea in bulk. If you drink these teas, you will find a good value.
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Please leave a note!

Please leave a little information about your experiences -- I would love to hear from you.

  • MindMart Jun 18, 2011 @ 7:10 pm | delete
    This is a great resource for women dealing with endometriosis . Great lens!
  • rasudesign Nov 5, 2010 @ 9:00 am | delete
    Fabulous resource for women suffering from endo. I was diagnosed back in 2005 and thankfully it wasn't too bad and my doctor was able to remove many of the adhesions. I then spent 6 terrible months on hormones that put me into a false menopause but it was worth it as I'm still symptom free 5 years later! Anyway, thanks for sharing this information. The more info available, the better! I have given you an angel blessing and added you to me angel lens. I'm also lens rolling this to my Endo lens which is scheduled for updates very soon! (It was one of my first lenses)
  • WriterBuzz Nov 3, 2010 @ 10:41 pm | delete
    Hi there, I just found your lens and really liked it. I gave it a thumbs-up and liked it, because the information is so relavant in today's high stress world. Thanks for providing it, and keep on lensing . . . I just did one on Migraine Headaches that might interest you .
  • Melly1102 Dec 10, 2009 @ 2:46 am | delete
    First of all, I want to say THANKYOU for putting up such good resources! I am so glad to see there are other women out there trying to help us learn about this horrible disease, that not many people seem to know about. Endometriosis is actually the reason why I signed up for squidoo. I have been wanting to share my story about it, I'm working on my lense now! You are doing such a wonderful thing by getting the word out. I wish that I could've had this type of reference when I was stuggling. I wont go into too much detail on mine, since I'm writing my lense. Let's just say that this disease took over my whole life. Mine started in highschool, but they didn't diagnose it until I was 22. I am now 30 and by the age 27 I was going on my 13th surgery for it, which was a complete hysterectomy. They have also took gallbladder, and appendix! The physical part was really hard/painful, but I struggled most with how it took over my whole life. I had lost everything & everyone because no one believed me.
    So sorry to leave you a book, instead of a note. This subject is just so touchy with me, and I am so glad to see what your doing! hopefully us that have dealt with it can find a way to bring more awareness! Thanks!
  • gkygrl Dec 10, 2009 @ 6:19 pm | delete
    Hi Melly, thank you for your response! Please consider taking part in the study that I mentioned above: http://www.endotoendo.com -- to help find a better diagnostic took for endometriosis (versus the invasive lap surgeries). You can do a lot of good with your lens (tell me when it is up and running) and by partaking in the study. I hope you are feeling ok these days.

    - Diana
  • GayleS Nov 17, 2009 @ 2:26 pm | delete
    I had a compleate hysto in 2006. I had stage 4 endo, ovarian cysts, and sever adhesions. You are doing a wonderfull thing here. I had never heard od endo or adhesions. I had been going to Drs. for over 10years and was repeatedly told it was in my head. After the last Dr told me my problems were normal I asked to have my tubes tyed (he disapproved but compliied) I woke up from surgery to be told I was right I must be in severe pain and my only option was the compleate hysto. If this were a disease affecting the male population there would be more studies and people would know about it. Thank You for spreading the word!
  • Florence_Beckworth Sep 21, 2009 @ 4:44 am | delete
    It is believed that around one-third to one-half of women suffering from "Endo" have difficulty getting conceived -- the faster the women know about their condition, the faster they can get medical help.

    Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with us. I have included your lens in the Top 100 Infertility Site. 5 stars!
  • welldec Jul 30, 2009 @ 11:23 pm | delete
    What an excellent and comprehensive lens - so much information. Thankfully it is no longer relevant for me but I could have done with some years ago.
  • SkinCareInfo Mar 24, 2009 @ 6:32 am | delete
    I had a total myself in my early thirties due to endometriosis. I completely understand what you went through. Great lens.
  • amandascloset0 Mar 4, 2009 @ 8:17 am | delete
    Excellent lens, very informative and thorough! This is more informative than many medical websites. Thank you for posting! 5 stars!
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gkygrl

I am a woman who has worn many hats over the years. Currently, am retired due to complications from multiple sclerosis. more »

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