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. 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.
Please take the time to rate this Squidoo Lens - thanks, very much appreciated! :)
Hysterectomy Support by HysterSisters.com
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
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
Menstrual Cramps Poll
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.
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.
Please leave a note!
Please leave a little information about your experiences -- I would love to hear from you.
SkinCareInfo wrote...
I had a total myself in my early thirties due to endometriosis. I completely understand what you went through. Great lens.
Posted March 24, 2009
amandascloset0 wrote...
Excellent lens, very informative and thorough! This is more informative than many medical websites. Thank you for posting! 5 stars!
Posted March 04, 2009
adventuresinautism wrote...
Great Lens On Endometriosis Diana! I'm not sure if you remember me or not but I believe were in band together at Rockville High. I played Trombone and graduated in 81. I too have Stage IV Endometriosis and like you had horrible painful menstral cycles. It caused close to 10 years of infertility for myself and husband. We were lucky I was finally able to get pregnant and 2 pregnancies took and I have 2 little boys now, ages 9 and 4. I also had two miscarriages.
I don't think people truly realized how debilatating it can be. I think my menstral pain was and is definately as bad if not world than going through Labor.
Posted January 22, 2009
Shaynne wrote...
Thanks for all the info! This is a great 5 star lens. My oldest sister dealt with endometriosis and fibroids from college years all the way until having a hysterectomy when she was around 39 years old. I actually found fibroids at 30, had surgery years later--of course they're back...
Check out and please rate my lense at Healing Fibroids: A Natural Cure For Shrinking Uterine Fibroids
Posted October 04, 2008
sisterra wrote...
Excellent lens - I have endometriosis and have had 3 surgeries because of it. I can totally relate.
Great info.
Posted August 24, 2008
DYSMENORRHEA Resources
ACUPUNCTURE FOR DYSMENORRHEA DVD
Amazon Price: $44.95 (as of 07/12/2009) 
Dysmenorrhea
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Take stepwise approach to dysmenorrhea in teenage girls. (NSAIDs First, Oral Contraceptives Second).: An article from: Pediatric News
Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 07/12/2009)
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine: Dysmenorrhea
Amazon Price: $3.90 (as of 07/12/2009)
Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Dysmenorrhea: An entry from Thomson Gale's Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Amazon Price: $2.45 (as of 07/12/2009)
Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Dysmenorrhea Prevalent in Hispanic Teens.: An article from: Family Practice News
Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 07/12/2009)
Dysmenorrhea: An entry from Gale's Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed.
Amazon Price: $3.90 (as of 07/12/2009)
Endometriosis
- 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 Links
The following list of resources deal with endometriosis -- a common reason for menstrual pain (cramps).
Endometriosis
Endometriosis. Information on treatment of endomet more...1 point
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common health problem in women. more...1 point
Endometriosis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Endometriosis is a common medical condition affect more...1 point
Endometriosis Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment by ...
Information on endometriosis, its causes, symptoms more...1 point
The Endometriosis Association
Non-profit organization dedicated to providing inf more...1 point
Endometriosis - MayoClinic.com
Endometriosis &38212; Comprehensive overview c more...1 point
Endometriosis and Infertility
Atlanta Reproductive Healthcare Centre's endometri more...1 point
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue t more...1 point
MedlinePlus: Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a problem affecting a woman's ute more...1 point
Endometriosis -- familydoctor.org
Discusses what it is, how it is diagnosed, and tre more...1 point
Endometriosis
Consumer health resource center providing an overv more...1 point
Endometriosis Association Information
Endometriosis is a puzzling disease affecting wome more...1 point
Endometriosis Research Center
ERC is a non-profit research & resource center more...0 points
MedlinePlus Interactive Tutorials: Endometriosis
Endometriosis. Start Tutorial. Starts multimedia p more...0 points
Welcome to the EndometriosisZone
Register for Endometriosis ZONE Updates if you wou more...0 points
eMedicine - Endometriosis : Article by Turandot Saul, MD
Endometriosis - Endometriosis is the presence of e more...0 points
eMedicine - Endometriosis : Article by Turandot Saul, MD
Endometriosis - Endometriosis is the presence of e more...0 points
Endometriosis
Read this article to learn all about endometriosis more...0 points
Endometriosis FAQ
Q. Is there a relationship between endometriosis a more...0 points
Heating Pads
Sunbeam Health at Home 756-500 Standard Heating Pad with NEW Arthritic Controller
Amazon Price: $10.74 (as of 07/12/2009)
Moist Heating Pads - TheraTherm Digital Moist Heating Pads
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Sunbeam Health at Home Easy To Use King Size Moist/Dry Heating Pad, Blue
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/12/2009)
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.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Pain Medication on Amazon
Advil Solubilized Ibuprofen, 200 mg, Liquid Filled Capsules 180 liqui-gels
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Advil Ibuprofen, 200 mg, Coated Tablets 200 coated tablets
Amazon Price: $16.51 (as of 07/12/2009)
Aleve All Day Strong Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer Gelcaps, 80-Count Bottles (Pack of 2)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Kirkland Signature -IbuprofenTablets USP 200 mg, 1000 Tablet
Amazon Price: $16.11 (as of 07/12/2009)
100 Ibuprofen Packs with 2 Tablets
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Teas on Amazon
PMS Tea 16 Bags
Amazon Price: $5.19 (as of 07/12/2009)
Heather's Tummy Tea, Fennel Tea 45 Bags
Amazon Price: $15.48 (as of 07/12/2009)
Peppermint Tea Bags for Irritable Bowel Syndrome ~ Heather's Tummy Teas Organic Peppermint Teabags (36 Jumbo Teabags)
Amazon Price: $14.18 (as of 07/12/2009)
Good Earth Tea for Digestion, Tea Bags, 15-Count Boxes (Pack of 6)
Amazon Price: $21.97 (as of 07/12/2009)
Tea for Digestion - 15 - Bag
Amazon Price: $3.84 (as of 07/12/2009)
Traditional Herbal Teas
Chamomile Tea 1 1/2 oz. (46070CEL)
Amazon Price: $21.89 (as of 07/12/2009)
Cinnamon Apple Spice Tea 1 1/2 oz. (31003CEL) Category: Tea Service
Amazon Price: $20.67 (as of 07/12/2009)
Celestial Seasonings Green Tea, Decaf, Tea Bags, 40-Count Boxes (Pack of 6)
Amazon Price: $27.32 (as of 07/12/2009)
Honey Lemon Ginseng Tea (00520CEL) Category: Tea
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Celestial Seasonings Herb Tea, Sleepytime, Tea Bags, 40-Count Boxes (Pack of 6)
Amazon Price: $22.65 (as of 07/12/2009)
by gkygrl
I am a woman who has worn many hats over the years. Currently, am retired due to complications from multiple sclerosis.
