The Lowdown on Endometriosis

Last month, the actor, Amy Schumer, gave us a lesson on how to combat online trolls and endometriosis in one go. We took some notes, so we’re sharing them with our friends (you all), and adding some clinical color (naturally). 

Endometriosis is a disease that you might be lucky enough to know nothing about, but since it impacts up to 1 out of 10 women of reproductive age, there's a chance it will affect you or someone you love.

First things first, what is endometriosis? 

Like most things in women's health, it's complicated. Endometriosis is a uterine condition where the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, is growing outside the uterus, most commonly in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic cavity lining, or rarely, even in the bladder and intestines. But here's the kicker: unlike the tissue lining the uterus, which typically is shed during menstrual bleeding, this displaced tissue has no way to exit the body. So, it gets trapped and can cause inflammation, pain, scar tissue or adhesions, among other symptoms. Women with endometriosis may also experience fertility issues, likely due to the inflammation and hormonal dysregulation that may contribute to endometriosis.

Explain it to me in one sentence please. 

Uterine lining tissue is forming and growing in places that it shouldn’t, and the buildup of tissue causes pain, discomfort and some not-so-minor chaos.

Does everyone have the same symptoms?

Symptoms are highly variable and no two experiences of endometriosis may be alike. Symptoms range from pelvic pain and cramping, to heavy periods, painful intercourse, and painful urination and bowel movements during a period.  Because endometriosis is so variable, there aren’t any truly defining symptoms. It is important to have open and honest conversations with your OBGYN about your menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, there is no lab test, symptom, or scan that can definitively diagnose endometriosis. Right now, surgery to confirm the cells as endometrium is the only way to diagnose the condition. 

Okay, that was dark. Are there any treatments?

While there aren’t yet curative treatments, there are options to help manage symptoms. They are highly individualized to the patient (every endo girly is her own snowflake) and include hormonal therapies, birth control, pain management, and, in severe cases like Schumer's condition, surgery to remove the uterus and/or ovaries.

Oh right, what's the tea on Schumer and those cyber bullies?

Schumer shot back at people who had commented on her face in a sarcastic manner saying, "I've enjoyed feedback and deliberation about my appearance as all women do for almost 20 years. And you're right [my face] is puffier than normal right now." She then explained that she is going through "some medical and hormonal things'' due to her endometriosis. As y'all just learned, hormone therapy is one of the ways endometriosis is treated.

Why am I just hearing about this now?

Unfortunately, many women go without a diagnosis for years because of the broad range of symptoms, limited awareness and research, and misinformation. At one point, it was even called “the career woman’s disease” because it was believed to affect women who didn’t have children and focused on their careers 🤮🤮🤮. That, coupled with underfunding for diseases that affect primarily women, makes endometriosis a bit of a medical mystery that will hopefully soon be cracked.

Okay, can we end on a lighter note?

Consider reading this newsletter today as your gold star in women's health lessons! If you or someone you know starts experiencing severely uncomfortable menstrual cycles or abdominal pain, talk to your doctor about the possibility of endometriosis. Just because some of us were taught to grin and bear period pain doesn't mean that we should. 

For help treating more typical period pain, consider grabbing these PMS pain reliever pills from FLO and herbal heating patches from Rael.

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*The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or any other qualified healthcare provider with questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.