Endometriosis is a common medical condition that Northside Northpoint OBGYN of Alpharetta diagnoses. It primarily affects women of reproductive age or occurs when tissues like those lining a woman’s uterus grow outside the uterus in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the peritoneum. These tissues behave like normal uterine tissues. During a woman’s period, they disintegrate and bleed into the surrounding areas causing them to swell.
Endometriosis affects women in different ways. Some may experience abnormally heavy periods, cramping, painful intercourse, back pain, or fatigue. Endometriosis has three types: Endometrioma, an ovarian lesion, superficial peritoneal lesion, and deeply infiltrating endometriosis. Endometriomas are dark cysts filled with fluid that appear in the ovaries. Superficial Peritoneal lesions appear on the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a film covering the pelvic cavity. Deeply infiltrating endometriosis develops under the peritoneum and affects organs close to the uterus, such as the bladder.
Endometriosis has no cure. However, Northside Northpoint Obgyn of Alpharetta has various options to manage endometriosis.
1. Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy brings down estrogen amounts created by your body. This method slows down the growth of endometrial tissue and prevents new implantations of the tissue. It stops the rise and fall of hormones during the menstrual cycle; hence the lesions bleed less. This lack of hormonal fluctuations results in less inflammation, less scarring, and the formation of cysts.
Hormonal treatments include; Progestin-only contraceptives, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH), birth control pills and patches, danazol, and aromatase inhibitors. It is essential to consult your OBGYN in Alpharetta to receive the best prescription suitable for you.
2. Surgery
Surgery can be done at Northside Northpoint OB-GYN of Alpharetta to remove the visibly affected tissues from your body and to repair the impairment caused by the condition. Laparoscopic surgery is conservative, less invasive, and preserves the ovaries and uterus if you want to get pregnant. Laparotomy involves a bigger incision in the abdomen. Doctors perform it if the condition is extensive and severe. They perform a Hysterectomy when other treatment options fail and if the quality of life is severely impaired. It removes the cervix, uterus, and ovaries.
3. Lifestyle Changes
A change of lifestyle can alleviate symptoms of endometriosis. The following are lifestyle changes that facilitate endometriosis.
Diet
Diets are rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Foods packed in omega-3 fatty acids like flax seeds, salmon, and sardines are also important. Other foods that one should consume more are low glycemic fruits like berries and apples, antioxidants like colored vegetables, vegetable proteins, complex carbs, and daily magnesium glycinate supplements. It is good to evade caffeine, soda and alcoholic drinks, animal and dairy proteins, simple carbohydrates like wheat, saturated fats like cheese, butter, and cream, and processed foods.
Exercise
Exercise is an excellent way to manage endometriosis. Exercise increases the heartbeat, thus encouraging the heart to pump blood to the organs. Pumping blood faster improves blood circulation and promotes a good flow of oxygen and nutrients to all body systems.
Exercise emits endorphins, which are brain chemicals that relieve pain. Working out makes the body produce less estrogen resulting in lighter menstrual flow. Low-intensity activities like yoga, stretches the body tissues and muscles critical for reducing stress and pain relief.
Stress Management
Stress aggravates endometriosis symptoms. Anxiety makes the pain worse, leading to more stress and pain. Stress management through meditation and massage self-care is vital in relaxing the mind and body muscles. Seeking help from a psychologist can also be helpful. Getting adequate sleep relaxes the body and helps the immune system to function optimally.
4. Pain Management
Pain relievers without steroids and anti-inflammatory medications can help to reduce endometriosis symptoms. It is essential to have the medicines prescribed for you by a doctor.
Management of endometriosis may necessitate a combination of different treatment methods. Talk to us at Northside Northpoint OBGYN of Alpharetta. We will walk you through the journey and help you with the most suitable and effective treatment methods for your body.
