Endometriosis is a condition that many women experience, but can’t get diagnosed. It’s a painful, chronic, systemic immune issue that causes the uterine cells to create masts in other parts of the body. It’s something that can’t really be confirmed unless through exploratory surgery. Some lesions can be seen on an ultrasound, but it’s unlikely. It’s usually determined based on a series of symptoms and experiences.
I’ve recently been diagnosed with endometriosis, and the relief to finally be heard and understood was overwhelming. I had no idea so much of what I experienced wasn’t “normal.” I thought I was being a hypochondriac, but no, my symptoms are real and painful. What prompted me to finally seek help was I was experiencing bleeding after intercourse. TMI, so dad and Daden, please don’t read, but intercourse has always been painful. From the time I started having sex to present. I thought it was normal. I thought, “oh this must be how everyone feels,” because realistically, it didn’t hurt ALL the time, just during certain times of the month. I would sometimes be left, sore and bloated for days after, and I thought it was normal.
When I went to the doctor and explained my symptoms, she asked if I’ve ever been told I have endometriosis? I was shocked because, no, I haven’t. No one in my family has it, so I never considered it. She explained what is called flare ups or endo attacks which can occur after deep penetration or during hormonal changes, ie ovulation and a few days before my period. These flare ups result in painful and hard bloating in my pelvis that sometimes make me feel like I have the flu, sometimes I’m so nauseous, I throw up. Sometimes the pain is so much I can’t eat for days on end. Intercourse is painful and could result in everything I’ve been experiencing.
I told her about my symptoms that happen a few days before my period. The thing that I thought was PMS. She nodded and explained that many women with endo get this, some call it “period flu.” Everything in my brain started to click. Later, when speaking with some girlfriends, I asked if any of them experience this “period flu,” and they all said no. I was kicking myself for not asking these questions sooner because then, I would’ve sought help sooner.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for endo. Surgery can remove lesions, but there’s a risk the masts will attach to the scar tissue. The only management is birth control. Unfortunately, I used to get migraines with auras (I know, ANOTHER PROBLEM MARCELLA?!?) so I can’t use any birth control with estrogen. That leaves the mini pill, but because I have eczema (ANOTHER THING?!?) it gets triggered by the mini-pill—as a side note, there is a recent link to endo and eczema as they are both histamine responses, so I’d love to learn more about that. Not to mention, I literally hate how my body feels on birth control.
So, what am I left with? Well, I can be super crunchy and look for holistic ways to help with endo and eczema. I feel like this is a slippery slope to raw milk and anti vaxx (all the offensive given). But I am looking into anti-inflammatory diets that may help.
Let me know if you’ve been diagnosed with endo, have had any similar symptoms, have any advice, or just want to chat more!!
Thank you for reading!
xx Marcella