Another condition that can have overlapping symptoms with endometriosis is pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). PFD involves abnormal functioning of the pelvic floor muscles (Grimes & Stratton, 2020). The muscles can be too tight (hypertonia), too lax (hypotonia), or just not
When talking about endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, it is important to remember that often endometriosis is not the only pelvic pain generator. Another possible contributor to chronic pelvic pain is pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). “Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) accounts
We have been looking at some of the related conditions that can cause overlapping symptoms with endometriosis. This is important because, if you only treat one condition and not the others, this can lead to continued symptoms and a great
The last couple of weeks, we have seen that adenomyosis and interstitial cystitis are found frequently in those with endometriosis and can cause similar symptoms. Another finding noted in those with endometriosis is endometrial (uterine) polyps. One meta-analysis found a
Last week, we noted that adenomyosis can frequently coexist in people with endometriosis. Another one of those conditions that can frequently coexist with endometriosis, aptly named the “evil twin” to endometriosis, is interstitial cystitis (IC) (also called painful bladder syndrome).
Endometriosis is often found along with other conditions that can cause similar symptoms (see Related Conditions). One of those conditions is called adenomyosis, where endometrial glands and stroma invade the muscular part of the uterine wall (Gracia et al., 2022).
Endometriosis in adolescents was recently reviewed by Liakopoulou et al. (2022), and they report that “adolescent endometriosis is a challenging diagnosis” and that “the disease can be easily overlooked”- thus the true incidence of endometriosis in teens is not really
Is there an association between endometriosis and early menopause? Kulkarni et al. (2022) looked this question and found that there just might be. The authors state that early natural menopause (ENM) is the cessation of ovarian function before age 45
A recent systemic review looked at the effect of dietary changes on pain perception in endometriosis. While the researchers went through 2185 studies, only six studies fulfilled their inclusion criteria (reproductive age; laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis; and intervention including any type
A couple of recent studies have indicated that those with endometriosis might have a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (Xue et al., 2021; Chen et al., 2021). One study even suggested “in the clinical management of patients with RA,
Endometriosis is associated with several “digestive complaints, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, and dyschezia” (Raimondo et al., 2022). Raimondo et al. (2022) reports that “chronic constipation (CC) in women with endometriosis varies from 12% to 85%” and
There is not much literature about endometriosis and heart disease. Marchandot et al. (2022) reports that there are some overlaps in contributors to both heart disease and endometriosis, such as “chronic inflammation, enhanced oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and cellular proliferation.”
During endometriosis awareness month, the most interacted with post on our Facebook page was about fatigue- which points to how significant it impacts those with endometriosis. Fatigue and pain often go hand in hand- with one aggravating the other. One
Endometriosis awareness month is still going! As it is our last newsletter for March, we have a bunch of more shareable information, including some myth-busters. Remember, a good link to share is our basic all About Endometriosis that has short
Endometriosis awareness month is still going! Here is a week’s worth of shareable information. Another good link to share is our basic all About Endometriosis that has short and to the point information about endometriosis as well as links for
Endometriosis awareness month has arrived! Here is a week’s worth of shareable information. Another good link to share is our basic all About Endometriosis that has short and to the point information about endometriosis as well as links for more
Endometriosis awareness month has arrived! Here is a week’s worth of shareable information. Another good link to share is our basic all About Endometriosis that has short and to the point information about endometriosis as well as links for more
March is endometriosis awareness month, and it is time to start the conversation about endo. Endometriosis can take an average of 10 years before a diagnosis and even longer to find effective treatment. That’s why it is important to start
The gold standard for diagnosis of endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery. The knowledge and skill of the surgeon can affect the ability to accurately identify endometriosis- in order to not only diagnose it but to also successfully remove all disease (Jose, Fausto, &
Last week we talked about pain and how early intervention is important. In order to achieve this early intervention, early diagnosis is critical. The gold standard for diagnosis involves surgery, which can be delayed while trials of medications and other
Pain is a complex phenomenon, with multiple contributing factors. It is also one of the most prevalent symptoms of endometriosis. Pain can be a mix of several factors, such as inflammation, nerves, and myofascial components. Maddern et al. (2020) looked
We have noted before that specialized training and experience is highly beneficial in the ability to diagnose and treat endometriosis. This includes the technicians and providers who read imaging prior to surgery. Another study published this year confirms this again
There has been an increase in research on endocannabinoids and their role in health. There are two main cannibinoid receptors that have been studied. CB1 receptors have been largely studied for their role in the central nervous system, while CB2 is more associated with
There is a lot of interest in research about the effect of the gut microbiota on our health. The gut microbiota is the collection of microorganisms that live in the human gastrointestinal tract. The “intestinal bacteria play a crucial role in
The findings of this study are not actually ‘news,’ as it is all too commonly reported in the existing qualitative work and within health advocacy communities. However, these findings may be therapeutic to patients – they can validate patients’ experiences with these negative medical encounters and provide hope that work is indeed being conducted to bring this issue that largely lives within health advocacy communities to the academic sphere and those who really need to know this.
We hope that your new year brings you health and happiness. If you are still struggling to find a diagnosis, find treatment options, or want to find more resources, we hope our website can help you on your journey. Explore more at https://nancysnookendo.com/ and
In the midst of several different holiday celebrations, people with endometriosis can often struggle to balance activities and symptoms. Grogan, Turley, and Cole (2018) interviewed people with endometriosis and they noted that: “Participants spoke about their lives being a constant struggle,
Endometriosis is not confined to the pelvis. Endometriosis lesions have been found in multiple other areas in the body, including some strange places- like the nasal passage or the stomach wall (Mignemi et al., 2012; Mohamed et al., 2016). Andres et
While no strong studies have been performed on endometriosis and chronic fatigue syndrome (also called myalgic encephalomyelitis)(CFS/ME), CFS/ME has been found with some frequency in those with endometriosis. This doesn’t mean that one causes the other. Rather it indicates that they can
What’s behind those killer cramps in endometriosis? A mixture of nociceptive, inflammatory, and neuropathic factors that combine to create pain and other symptoms. Endometriosis is more than killer cramps. The factors associated with inflammation and nerves, such as prostaglandins, can cause