Endometriosis: Common but underdiagnosed.

Endometriosis is a persistent health condition that impacts a significant portion of women in their reproductive years, affecting approximately 1 in 10 between age 20 to 45 years.

This condition arises when tissue akin to the uterine lining, known as the endometrium, starts to develop outside the confines of the uterus. Remarkably, this tissue can establish itself on various organs within the pelvic and abdominal regions, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and bowel.

The array of symptoms associated with endometriosis can be quite diverse, ranging from pelvic pain to heavy menstrual bleeding and even infertility. Regrettably, there is presently no known cure for endometriosis, but there are several therapeutic approaches available to alleviate and manage its debilitating symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis: Pelvic Pain: Pelvic pain can be felt in the lower abdomen below the belly button. The pain can be sharp stabbing or dull ache. This kind of pain will come and go but sometimes it will be constant. It can be worse if you are doing activities such as standing, sitting, or walking. As per the research this pain can affect people from all ages and genders, but it is more common in women.

Pain relief can be attained using non-prescription medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, which prove effective in managing mild to moderate discomfort. Another viable option is hormonal therapy, which can hinder the growth of endometriosis tissue and alleviate pain.

Other common symptoms are chronic pain, painful menstrual periods, painful bowel movements, and excessive bleeding.

Risk Factors of Endometriosis:

Family history: Endometriosis runs in families, so if you have a mother, sister, or grandmother with endometriosis, you are at increased risk of developing it yourself.

Early menstruation: Starting your period before the age of 11 increases your risk of endometriosis.

Short menstrual cycles: Having menstrual cycles that are shorter than 27 days also increases your risk.

Heavy menstrual periods: If your menstrual periods are heavy or last longer than 7 days, you are also at increased risk.

High estrogen levels: Having higher than normal levels of estrogen in your body can increase your risk of endometriosis.

Low body mass index (BMI): Women with a low BMI are more likely to develop endometriosis.

Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Mllerian anomalies (abnormalities in the development of the uterus...