Endometriosis is a common condition that occurs when tissue similar to the interior layer of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These pathologic tissues respond to hormones, nutrition, lifestyle, and stress level. Endometriosis can cause pain, fatigue, other symptoms, and infertility. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage endometriosis and reduce its effects on your life. Let’s look at what you need to know about managing endometriosis.
Can endometriosis be cured completely?
Hormonal Therapy for Endometriosis Management
Hormonal therapy is one of the most common treatments for endometriosis management. Hormones like progestins and birth control pills work by suppressing ovulation and reducing estrogen levels in the body, which helps reduce the growth of endometriosis tissue. While this treatment may not be suitable for everyone, it can effectively reduce pain and other symptoms associated with endometriosis. But it is not a cure or a permanent solution. You might feel better if you take hormonal therapy, and endometriosis symptoms most likely come back whenever you stop the medication.
Surgery for Endometriosis Management
Surgery may sometimes be the best choice to treat endometriosis and alleviate its symptoms. Endometriosis surgeons use laparoscopes or robots to remove most endometriosis and adhesions or cysts. After surgery, your doctor may also prescribe hormonal therapy to help keep the condition under control. Your endometriosis surgeon might also recommend physical therapy before or after surgery to help manage symptoms and regain your functions.
Physical Therapy for the Management of Endometriosis
Physical therapists can have a significant impact on your life with endometriosis. They can help you know your body better and understand your limitations. A physical therapist or occupational therapist might be a great resource if you have any pelvic area spasms or movement limitations because of endometriosis pain.
Physical Therapy Before Excision Surgery for Endometriosis
Physical Therapy after excision surgery
Questions to Ask Your Physical Therapist When you have endometriosis
Dietary Changes for Endometriosis Management
Making dietary changes can also help manage endometriosis symptoms and reduce inflammation in your body. Eating fruits and vegetables—especially those rich in antioxidants—can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Avoiding processed foods and refined sugars can also help lessen symptoms associated with this condition. You need a dietitian to help you with this dietary planning.
Lifestyle Changes for Endometriosis Management
More body fat can mean higher estrogen and higher inflammation levels. Therefore, some healthy changes in your lifestyle to optimize the fat storage in your body can positively impact endometriosis management and symptoms. These changes can mean more physical activity or less junk food, or else. You are the best person to decide what lifestyle you should pursue. Moreover, a healthy lifestyle can improve your mental health and quality of life.
People with endometriosis should talk to their doctor about treatment options that are right for them to manage their condition effectively. In many cases, combining hormonal therapy, surgery, lifestyle, physical therapy, and dietary changes can help reduce pain and other symptoms associated with this condition. The goal should be for you to live a fuller life free from endometriosis effects. With proper management strategies, people with endometriosis can live healthier lives despite their diagnosis!
What are the potential negative outcomes and consequences of using hormonal therapy and surgery as treatments for managing endometriosis?
Adverse effects of hormonal therapy: it depends on the type of medication. But it can include acne, mood changes, irregular bleeding, depression, bone marrow loss, osteoporosis, hot flashes, etc. Hormonal therapy is temporarily helpful and mainly helps symptom control. The endometriosis disease’s symptoms are most likely back with full force after you stop the hormones. However, some surgeons use hormone therapy after surgery to manage the symptoms and control the recurrence. Hormones will have similar side effects mentioned above.
Surgery: As with any surgery, there are risks associated with endometriosis surgery. These include bleeding, infection, and nerve damage due to surgery or anesthesia during the procedure. During surgical procedures, there is also a risk of harm to surrounding organs such as the bladder or bowels. Additionally, there is a risk that a surgeon will not remove all of the endometriosis tissue during surgery. This incomplete removal could lead to recurrent symptoms or disease if not appropriately addressed by your doctor post-surgery.
You can learn more at these links:
https://icarebetter.com/endometriosis-surgery-risks/
https://icarebetter.com/types-of-endometriosis-pain-natural-medical-surgical-treatment/