Endometriosis / Adenomyosis

 

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which cells that look and act like the cells that line the uterus are found in other locations in the body. These cells can attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or outer surface of the uterus, the bowels, or other abdominal organs and, rarely, can attack outside the abdomen. The places where the cells attach are called implants or lesions.

Endometrial cells that are found outside the uterus respond to hormones released during the menstrual cycle in the same way as endometrial cells that are located in the uterus. At the beginning of the normal menstrual cycle, the sites of these abnormally located cells may swell and bleed.

The body responds to the swelling and bleeding by surrouding cells with scar tissue. During the menstrual cycle, this scar tissue may become red, swollen, and painful. As the scar tissue increases, it can form adhesions that cover and bind the abdominal organs. Adhesions can interefere with an organ's normal function.

Endometriosis is an ongoing chronic and usually progressive disease. The rate of progression varies widely from woman to woman. Infertility or pain may be theonly symptoms. Pain from endometriosis may start as mild discomfort a few days before the menstrual period or be unrelated to the menstural cycle.

Books and places to get additional help:
Books:
Fibroid Tumors and Endometriosis: A Self-Help Program
Author/Editor: SM Lark
Publisher: Celestial Arts
Publication Date: 1993

Alaternatives for Women With Endometriosis: A Guide by Women for Women
Author/Editor:  R Carol, ed.
Publisher:  Third Side Press
Publication Date:  1994

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a disease that occurs when the cells that normally line the uterus grown into the muscular tissue of the uterine wall. It is found most frequently in women over age 30 who have had full-term pregnancies. It is rare in women who have not carried a pregnancy to term.

Most women with adenomyosis do not have any symptoms. When pelvic pain or heavy menstrual bleeding are a problem, adenomyosis is often treated successfully with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). A hysterectomy may be needed if you have severe symptoms but are not approaching menopause. Symptoms go away after menopause is complete or following a hysterectomy.

Exams and tests may include:
*History of symptoms, menstrual periods, and family history.
*Routine pelvic exam.
*Pelvic xray while drinking a special contrast dye.
*A sample of the tissue of the wall of the uterus.
*Pelvic ultrasound.
*Hysteroscopy
*MRI of the pelvis.

Other places to get help or assistance are the same as Chronic Pelvic Pain