One of the most common health problems among women affects the reproductive system. This condition is known as endometriosis. Sometimes called endo, endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. It affects more than 11% of American women between the ages of 15-44.
Endometriosis is affecting black women just as badly as white women, including R&B singer Monica who was diagnosed in 2017. Black women are the ones likely to get misdiagnosed than white women. Here are a few things you must know about this condition.
It Could be Hereditary
Women who have endometriosis are more likely to have a daughter who will later develop it. If you have a mother who has the condition, you are more likely to develop it if you haven’t already. Yes, endometriosis is hereditary and it’s vital as a mother to look out for signs of severe pain from your daughter’s menstrual periods. Some other symptoms to be aware of include:
- Lower back pain
- Migraines and fatigue
- Problems with urinating
- Heavy long periods
What Other Factors Cause Endometriosis?
Besides hereditary, other factors could cause endometriosis. While we don’t have a clear cause of this illness, researchers have been studying these factors. Immune system problems and problems with surgery are just a few factors that may raise your risks. A weak immune system may fail to find and destroy endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. During a surgical procedure such as a hysterectomy, endometrial tissue could be picked up and moved by mistake.
Can you Prevent the Condition?
Unfortunately, you cannot prevent endometriosis. But you can reduce your chances by doing a few lifestyle changes. Some of these include exercising regularly, avoiding large amounts of alcohol, and caffeine. Both alcohol and caffeine could raise your estrogen levels. You can also further lower your risk by lowering the levels of estrogen in your body. Talk to your doctor about other ways of doing this.
Available Treatment options
While there is no cure for endometriosis, you can treat it using medications and surgery. Hormonal birth control is usually the first step in treatment if you’re not trying to get pregnant. This form of treatment is best for women who don’t have severe pain or symptoms.
On the other hand, if you’re trying to get pregnant, your doctor may prescribe another medication called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. This medicine stops the body from making the hormones that cause a menstrual cycle or endometriosis to grow.
Surgery is usually presented as an option for women who have severe endometriosis or when hormones aren’t providing relief. During this operation, the surgeon can locate any areas of endometriosis and may remove the patches. After surgery, hormone treatment is restarted for women not trying to get pregnant.
Other forms of treatment include:
- Pain medicine
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies.
Endometriosis is a painful condition that is impacting many women, especially black women. If you or someone you know is going through this condition, go and see a doctor immediately. As always, you can leave any questions or comments you have about this topic in the comments below. Share this post with any sister, aunt, cousin, or gal pal you know.
