I have a painful period. Is it a symptom of endometriosis?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been having a lot of pain during my periods, and someone mentioned it could be endometriosis. So, I have a few concerns like:

Can you explain what endometriosis is, and how it affects menstruation?
Also, how is it diagnosed?
Do I need medical imaging or other tests?
What treatment options are available in medicine and gynecology to manage the symptoms?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I am sorry to hear you are experiencing painful periods. It might be endometriosis. Let me explain what that is, and how it can affect you.

First of all, endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside your uterus starts growing outside it, like on your ovaries or other parts of your pelvis. This can cause severe menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, and pain during sex or when using the bathroom.

To find out if you have endometriosis, your doctor might start with a medical history and physical exam. They might also recommend:

Ultrasound pelvis or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can help spot endometrial tissue.
Laparoscopy is a small surgical procedure where a camera is used to look inside your pelvis. This is the most definitive way to diagnose and treat endometriosis.

Depending on the diagnosis, the treatment options include the following:

Over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) can help.

Hormonal therapy, including birth control pills, GnRH (Gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone) agonists, and Progestins, can help manage symptoms by regulating or stopping your periods.
A laparoscopic surgery can remove or destroy endometrial tissue, and in severe cases, a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) might be considered.

To manage the symptoms, a few lifestyle modifications are needed, such as:

Diet and exercise.
Heat compression.
Specialized physical therapy (helps to reduce the symptoms of many chronic diseases and conditions) and, in some cases, acupuncture (an alternative therapy that involves inserting thin needles into targeted areas of the body) can help.

If you think you might have endometriosis, talk to your gynecologist about your symptoms and the best next steps. Working closely with a gynecologist can help you find the right treatment plan.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you want more help.

Thank you.