Dear Reader,

Endometriosis occurs when some of the tissue which lines the uterus (the endometrium) begins to grow in another part of the body. In most cases, this growth develops in the pelvic area -- on the ovaries, the lining of the pelvic cavity, ligaments, or the fallopian tubes.

Because these growths are made of endometrial tissue, they usually behave like the endometrium, responding to the hormones of the menstrual cycle. Each month, they build up tissue and slough it off. As a result, internal bleeding, inflammation, cysts, and scar tissue can develop in the affected areas.

Common symptoms of endometriosis include: extreme pelvic pain during menstruation, ovulation, and/or sexual intercourse; excessive menstrual flow; fatigue; lower back pain; infertility; or, no symptoms at all. Endometriosis can also cause other serious problems, such as ruptured ovarian cysts and an increased risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. The disease can be debilitating, even interfering with normal daily activities, for days, weeks, and even months at a time. Fortunately for you and your girlfriend, diagnosis and treatment will make a difference.

The chronic nature of the disease creates enormous amounts of frustration for many of its sufferers. It is difficult to be young and seemingly healthy, but with an often unheard of disease and few, if any, noticeable symptoms. Adding to the frustration, most women do not know how or why they developed endometriosis, nor is their course of treatment ever clear -- each case of endometriosis is approached differently, usually incorporating trial and error to some extent.

One theory on the cause of endometriosis is retrograde menstruation. This theory suggests that during menstruation, some part of the endometrium backs up through the fallopian tubes and implants itself in the abdomen, where it begins to grow. The research which lends itself to this theory shows that many women do, in fact, experience this "tissue back up." This research also suggests that an immune and/or hormonal system problem allows the tissue to take root and grow in those women who develop endometriosis.

Unfortunately for women with endometriosis, a few myths about their disease persist. One myth claims that endometriosis is the "career woman's disease" brought on primarily by postponing or foregoing having children. In reality, 60 percent of endometriosis patients experience their first symptoms before the age of twenty-five. Another myth promotes the idea that early pregnancy helps to prevent or to provide immunity from the disease. And, some doctors and health care providers still believe that menstrual pain is psychological, so you can imagine what they think of endometriosis pain when it's first presented to them. All of these myths contribute to overlooked and misdiagnosed cases of endometriosis, as well as to the underfunding for research into the causes, risk factors, and treatments of the disease.

Perhaps your girlfriend can try a few natural remedies (for relief of pain associated with endometriosis), after running them by her primary health care provider, of course. Eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., salmon, tuna, whitefish, and sardines) may help suppress the production of prostaglandins, hormones that cause the cramping often experienced by endometriosis patients. An Ayurvedic practitioner recommends drinking lots of fresh fruit juices, especially dark grape, mango, papaya, and pineapple, at room temperature, not mixed with other juices, and throughout the day at times other than mealtimes.

One organization, Endometriosis Association International, has done a great job in opening doors for women with endometriosis in terms of providing support and pushing for more research into the disease. If you want a place to go for more information, not to mention support groups and other help for your girlfriend, this would be the place. You can reach them at (800) 992-3636 within the United States (they're located in Milwaukee, WI). They will send you general information on endometriosis as well as how to become a member of their organization. Also check out the women's health section at any bookstore or library for a few different books on endometriosis.

Alice

Related Q&As

Intercourse discomfort from tilted uterus

Hysterectomy

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Tilted uterus