Menstrual cramps can slow you down and turn any good day into a not-so-good one. However, the pain of endometriosis can be severe and keep you away from work, family life, and other activities you enjoy. Dr. Farly Sejour at Solace Women’s Care in Conroe, Texas, wants to give you some essential information to help you live with your diagnosis.
Before we discuss some tips you can use, here is a quick refresher on what endometriosis is and the symptoms it causes.
Endometriosis develops when tissue that is similar to the inside lining of your uterus grows outside the uterus. This abnormal tissue growth can cause severe pain during menstrual cramps, pain during sex, and long-term pain in the pelvis and lower back. It also causes spotting or bleeding in between menstrual periods, difficulty getting pregnant, and stomach problems, like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea.
Endometriosis affects an estimated 11 percent of the women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 44. It happens most often in women during their 30s and 40s, a time when many are trying to get pregnant.
There isn’t one known cause of the condition. Researchers believe it could be related to problems with menstrual period flow, immune system issues, genetics, hormones, or prior surgery. While you can’t prevent endometriosis, there are a few things you can do to make living with it a bit more bearable.
If you’re struggling to find comfort from the pain and stress of endometriosis, you can make a few lifestyle changes to ease the discomfort. Here are some of our favorites.
Did you know that when you exercise, your body produces less estrogen, which may cause you to have lighter periods? Both of these factors can reduce the severity of endometriosis symptoms. Exercise also helps to reduce stress and triggers your body to release endorphins, chemicals that lessen your pain by interacting with your brain’s pain receptors.
Try a low-impact routine like yoga or Pilates and a comprehensive stretching program to benefit the muscles in your pelvis. You should also find a high-intensity program like running, hiking, or biking to get the most benefits from your activity.
Stress affects every part of your body. So, if you’re experiencing times of high pressure, there is a good chance that your endometriosis pain will be worse than usual. Find stress management activities like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other self-care activities that you enjoy.
Endometriosis pain can stop you in your tracks. Try over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen to relieve inflammation and lessen the pain from cramps. Speak to Dr. Sejour if you’re unsure of dosing.
You can also use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a warm bath to relieve pain in your low abdomen and back.
If you eat a lot of red meat and few fruits and vegetables, you might need to rethink your diet. Experts believe there may be a link between the amount of fat in red meats and higher levels of estrogen production, which can cause abnormal tissue growth.
Try switching up your diet to include more fruits and vegetables. Keep things like carrots and celery sticks, fresh fruits, and salads handy, and reach for them first when you need a mid-afternoon snack. Substitute fish and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids for red meat.
If none of these methods relieves your discomfort from endometriosis, or if you’re unsure what’s causing any severe pain and cramping during your menstrual cycle, give our office a call today or send us a message to schedule an appointment.
