Endometriosis can be a tricky thing to diagnose, since it shares some symptoms of PMS.
Being a woman isn’t always a walk in the park, as anyone who has ever experienced PMS will tell you. As if the trials and tribulations of menstruation and menopause weren’t bad enough, we also have to contend with endometriosis, which is a disorder wherein the tissue of the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, and attaches to other areas, instead of shedding with your monthly period.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, one in 10 women in the United States will experience endometriosis during their lifetime, a statistic that is especially scary because the disorder can affect your fertility.
Unfortunately there is no cure for endometriosis, although it can be treated with birth-control hormones or surgery. So the first step to figuring out if your period pain is due to PMS or endometriosis is to learn the difference. These tips should help you decide whether it’s time to get checked.
READ MORE: How to Balance Your Hormones Naturally
Lower back or abdomen pain can be a sign of the disorder, since the detached tissue can land anywhere in the pelvic cavity. If you have recurring lower back or abdomen pain that seems to coincide with your period, it could be caused by endometriosis.
Pain that occurs long before your period, and lasts long after is one strong sign of endometriosis. If you suspect your period pain is something more than just PMS, it just may be.
Bladder issues, gastrointestinal problems, and IBS can be a symptom of the ‘big E’, especially if you have had your digestive tract tested, but haven’t been diagnosed with anything else. This happens when the uterine lining attaches to the bowels, which sounds horrific, I know.
Fertility issues can be a sure-fire sign of endometriosis, as it is one of the top causes of infertility in women. If you are having a problem getting pregnant, getting tested should be one of the first things you do, since your fallopian tubes may be blocked by detached tissue.
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