Plagued by Painful Periods? It Could Be Endometriosis

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. For our women’s wellness team at Panhandle Obstetrics and Gynecology in Amarillo, Texas, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at this common gynecological disorder, which also happens to be a leading cause of painful menstrual periods. 

Endometriosis explained 

Endometriosis is a complex disorder that affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Among women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, endometriosis is a top cause of female infertility as well as a range of persistent, painful symptoms. 

This chronic gynecological condition occurs when tissue that’s similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside your uterus. These “endometrial implants” may appear anywhere within your pelvic cavity, from the outer surface of your ovaries and uterus to your pelvic floor and the underside of your diaphragm. 

Like normal endometrium inside your uterus, endometrial implants are responsive to the hormonal changes of your menstrual cycle. This means they:

• Thicken with blood 
• Break down 
• Prepare to shed

Because endometrial implants have no way to exit your body, they remain trapped inside your pelvic cavity. Over time, the inflammatory nature of this abnormal cycle can lead to the formation of adhesions that trigger unrelentingly painful symptoms.

The 4 Ds of endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, unpredictable spotting between periods, gastrointestinal upset before and during menstruation (i.e., diarrhea, constipation, nausea, bloating), increased fatigue, and trouble getting pregnant.

It’s also associated with an increased risk of autoimmunity — many women with endometriosis are more likely to have allergies, eczema, chemical sensitivities, and frequent yeast infections. 

These symptoms and related effects can be disruptive on their own, but for most women, the worst part of the condition is the pain it causes. This includes chronic pain in your lower back and pelvis, as well as the so-called “four Ds of endometriosis,” which refers to the disorder’s primary pain symptoms: 

Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) 

Endometriosis is associated with severe, debilitating period cramps that can worsen over time and disrupt your daily life. They tend to be markedly more painful than typical period discomfort and may even trigger headaches and dizziness.

Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) 

Many women with endometriosis also experience pain during sexual intercourse. It’s often described as deep pain, rather than the kind of penetrative pain that’s sometimes felt at the entrance to your vagina when intercourse begins. 

Dyschezia (painful bowel movements)

Endometriosis commonly causes obstructed, strained, or painful bowel movements, particularly during menstruation. It may take the form of diarrhea or constipation, and in some cases, may cause blood in your stool. 

Dysuria (painful urination)

When endometrial implants grow on your bladder or connected tubes (i.e., ureters, urethra), it can make urination painful, especially during menstruation. 

Diagnosing painful periods

While dysmenorrhea has other possible causes — including abnormally high prostaglandin levels, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — endometriosis remains a leading cause of painful periods.

Unfortunately, because awareness of endometriosis is still growing — and stigma around menstruation and the normalization of painful periods persist — many women don’t recognize the condition, even though it’s common.

Indeed, endometriosis is widely underdiagnosed, and many women suffer with painful periods through early adulthood, only learning they have the condition in their 30s or 40s. 

It doesn’t have to be this way. If we suspect you may have endometriosis based on a symptom evaluation, medical history, pelvic exam, and ultrasound imaging, we can confirm the diagnosis with a minimally invasive laparoscopy and tissue biopsy procedure. 

Get help for endometriosis

Endometriosis isn’t curable, but there’s a lot we can do to help you manage the condition, alleviate painful symptoms, and safeguard your fertility. To learn more, call 806-359-5468 to schedule an appointment at Panhandle Obstetrics and Gynecology today.