Women’s Wellness: Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows on your ovaries, bowel, and tissues lining your pelvis. Hormonal changes with your menstrual cycle affect the misplaced endometrial tissue, causing the area to become inflamed and painful. This means the tissue will grow, thicken, and break down. Over time, the tissue that has broken down has nowhere to go and becomes trapped in your pelvis.

The symptoms of endometriosis vary. Some experience mild symptoms, but others can have moderate to severe symptoms. The severity of your pain does not indicate the degree or stage of the condition. You may have a mild form of the disease yet experience agonizing pain. It’s also possible to have a severe form and have very little discomfort.

Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis. You may also have the following symptoms:

• painful periods
• pain in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation
• cramps one or two weeks around menstruation
• heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
• infertility
• pain following sexual intercourse
• discomfort with bowel movements
• lower back pain that may occur at any time during your menstrual cycle

In some cases, you may also have no symptoms.

Endometriosis has no cure, but its symptoms can be managed. Studies have shown that the following treatments are highly effective for those who endure continuous pain and hormonal fluctuations due to this condition:

⬧ Acupuncture treatments

⬧ Moxibustion treatments when needed

⬧ NRT or MFT testing to determine which herbal supplements are needed to ease your symptoms

Schedule your appointment with Stratford Acupuncture & Nutritional Wellness Center today and start feeling better!