Endometriosis Awareness Month: diagnosis and treatment

While millions of women are diagnosed with endometriosis each year, little is known as to why they acquire it. Treatments go the spectrum from diet to surgery and not everyone responds the same way.

There are a number of diagnostic tests used to determine if endometriosis is the problem. A pelvic exam is standard as the doctor looks for scar tissue or any abnormality in or around the uterus. Since vaginal cysts can escape notice with a pelvic exam, a vaginal ultrasound may be order. Through MRI or CT Scan, a doctor can find endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus. For women who may have advanced disease, a blood test will show a protein, CA 125, which will be present in the blood. Finally, a laparoscopy is minor surgery where a doctor can look around the abdomen with a small camera. Tissue will be extracted and studied in the lab to make a definitive diagnosis.

Treatments for better health and fertility include regular exercise and a diet with limited red meat with lots of fruits and vegetables. This diet will also help an estrogen dependent condition like endometriosis. Fish oil and antioxidants may also help to reduce severity of symptoms. Other foods to avoid include those that increase prostaglandins E2 and F2a which increase estrogen. They are sugar, wheat, caffeine, alcohol, dairy, red meat, saturated fats and all transfats.

As with any treatment for a medical condition or even a suspected medical condition, consult your doctor about your specific and unique needs. Together you can create a plan to live a healthier life.

Source: AFA