HealthChat Women's Health

Endometriosis - Reducing The Effects

Up to 5% of UK women suffer from endometriosis, a disorder in which cells that form the lining of the womb (endometrium) develop abnormally in other sites. Most commonly these are the ovaries, the ligaments securing the womb, the bowel and the urinary tract.

Symptoms are those you might expect if abnormally sited endometrial cells continue to respond to the changes of the menstrual cycle:

1. Severe pain before periods - and unusually sited.
2. Painful sex.
3. Pain on opening the bowels.
4. Pain on passing water.

Treatment is based principally on inhibiting the female sex hormones through drug manipulation, therefore shrinking the endometriosis. In unresponsive cases surgery is considered.

In addition help yourself by reducing hormonal stimulation of the endometriotic cells:

1. Reduce stress in your life.
2. Cut out sugar and stimulants e.g. caffeine.
3. Decrease sources of artificial oestrogens e.g. commercially-reared meats.
4. Increase dietary essential fats e.g. in Evening Primrose Oil.
5. Exercise regularly.

Further information: The National Endometriosis Society http://www.endo.org.uk/

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