7 Ways to manage Endometriosis
If menstrual cramps or ‘Dysmenorrhea’ stops you from carrying out everyday tasks, including climbing up the stairs and walking, you consult with a reputed gynecologist. These are signs of Endometriosis, a common reproductive disorder that is found in women 25-35 years of age. Endometriosis has a long-term impact where the tissues of the innermost lining of the uterus start to grow outside. This results in inflammation, scars and lesions, and only a gynecologist can help to manage endometriosis treatment.
The latest report shows that 1 in 10 women are globally affected by endometriosis. The condition affecting women below 25 years of age or postmenopause is rare but not ignorable. It has been reported that women who are lean and tall with low BMI get affected primarily.
What is the risk and cause of Endometriosis?
The common risk of Endometriosis is – Low BMI, abnormalities in the reproductive tract, short menstrual cycle, heavy flow during menstruation, problem in conceiving, etc.
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The cause is not quite clear. It is presumed that the endometriosis developing tissues might have been there since fetal development. Possibly, the condition has taken a spike due to puberty hormonal changes.
How to detect if you have Endometriosis?
Gynecologists always advise you to follow the signs and symptoms of a disease. This will help in early detection as well as manage endometriosis treatment.
If you have these symptoms, then it requires immediate medical consultation:
- Painful periods
- Severe premenstrual cramps
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Irregular bowel movement or constipation
- Pain during urination
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Constant fatigues
- Chronic pelvic pain
You must not skip the diagnosis, as untreated Endometriosis has the risk of developing into ovarian cancer. Further, mismanagement of Endometriosis might lead to infertility.
What are the ways to manage endometriosis treatment?
Doctors recommend a proper medical diagnosis, and based on that, treatments are prescribed.
Medical diagnosis includes:
- Examination of the pelvis to detect the presence of cysts
- Imaging tests, including USG, MRI, etc.
- Laparoscopy
- Biopsy
Management of Endometriosis
Your choice of endometriosis treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Pain management supplements and home therapies can help at the preliminary stage. If the risk of disease increases, surgeries are the best alternatives. Proper management of the disease can keep it under control but cannot cure it.
To manage Endometriosis, you have to include specific lifestyle changes, and that includes:
Regular exercise
Exercises help to keep the hormone balance in your body, especially estrogen. However, you must never step back if you feel pelvic pain during a workout. You can try brisk walking or any light exercises as an alternative. This would reduce the estrogen level, and you will feel less painful cramps during the period.
Working out helps the body to create more endorphins which make your body less susceptible to pain. So, with a regular habit of exercising, you will gain the endurance to bear menstrual pain.
Add green to your diet
The latest reports show that with a plant-based diet, you will be able to manage Endometriosis. So, try to add green fresh leaf veggies and fruits to your diet.
You can also add omega-3 fatty acid, such as walnuts and salmon, which is a healthy fat and helps in the management process. Try to cut down pork, beef, and red meat as these can trigger estrogen levels and increase inflammation.
Stop drinking alcohol
As soon as your body shows signs of Endometriosis, it would be best if you cut down on your drinking habits. Alcohol can trigger Endometriosis and make things worse.
Moreover, it can lead to severe abdominal pain and also increase abnormal tissue growth. If you are a heavy drinker, then, for the time being, you can switch to wine and beer; that won’t be a problem.
Add a healthy habit
A warm bath can help to relieve endometriosis pain. A long bath soaking in the tub feels quite relaxing.
Instead of relying on painkillers, you can also put a hot bag or a hot water bottle on your stomach. But, do check the heat intensity and do not burn yourself.
Try yoga or medication
Stress is part and parcel of the sedentary life and can worsen the endometriosis pain and symptoms. So, try to get involved in meditation or yoga. These have low intensity and involve less movement of the body, but they are highly impactful.
However, if the pain gets too intense, you can also consult with a therapist or a counselor and learn how to manage stress. These are all part of the self-care routine, and you must learn tricks and tips for stress busters.
Try to avoid caffeine and gluten products
Caffeinated drinks have the possibility of increasing inflammation and the risk of Endometriosis. This also includes soda, gluten and any sugary products. So, you must keep track of your diet and monitor what you are eating.
You must also avoid processed food, including bread, pasta, wheat and dessert. Try to include anti-inflammatory food in your diet, such as turmeric.
Get quality sleep
Maintaining a strict sleeping hour can help to boost the immune system of your body, and this helps to fight back Endometriosis.
So, avoid heavy meals at night and go to bed early. At least 6 hours of quality sleep is necessary to improve your fitness and reduce the severity of Endometriosis.
Try out alternative therapies
There have been proven results of endometriosis pain management for women who indulge in alternative treatment.
The list includes acupuncture, ayurvedic treatment, herbal body massage or herbal medicines. However, it is always advised to consult with the doctor before considering any therapy.
Medical Treatments to cure Endometriosis
It is most likely that you won’t be able to stand the pain as the conditions get worse. But, we cannot ignore the fact that some women are completely unaware and do not feel the extreme. Thus, regular checkups are suggested to eliminate all possibilities of the disease.
Doctors take the detailed history, go through the medical test and then suggest treatment –
- Painkillers – Supplement for the preliminary stage of pain management.
- Hormone medicines and contraceptives – These to control the growth of the endometriosis layers.
- Surgery – When medication is unable to control Endometriosis, surgery is the last option. The surgeon cuts the extra patches of tissues before it infects other organs of the body. Often, this involves hysterectomy (removal of the womb) to reduce the complications and life threats.
Takeaways
You must not ignore any kind of symptoms and immediately consult with a medical specialist. Based on the conditions, they can suggest the treatment options that would be suitable.
Delay Further, do not take over-the-counter supplements, as overdose can lead to extreme side effects. At ILS Hospitals, you can consult with the best gynecologist in Kolkata.