Endometriosis – the hidden disease. As March is Endometriosis Awareness Month this is me doing my bit.
This isn’t something I talk about a lot, but I have Stage IV endometriosis, which is pretty bad. That said, I’ve been very lucky that I’ve not experienced the often crippling symptoms that many women suffer from. To provide perspective about 10% of women globally suffer from endometriosis – often in silence and often undiagnosed.
Endometriosis – the hidden disease
Research and awareness into the disease continue and my doctors surmise that my lack of obvious symptoms is due to my healthy diet and exercise routine…which is a big reason for me continuing to take care of myself. I have lapses like everyone does but I always go back to my overall healthy lifestyle which appears to prevent me from suffering the severe pains which often leave sufferers bed-bound for days.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a long term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places. As this tissue isn’t able to leave the body through the normal menstrual cycle, it accumulates. The best way I describe it to others is to say – “stuff is just a bit stuck together down there”.
Symptoms and treatments
These can include pain in the lower tummy area, back pain and severe period pain. Treatments are varied and include painkillers, hormones, and surgery to remove the endometriosis tissue, which I’ve had. Personally, when I get the odd twinge I know about it.
The role of diet and lifestyle
There is growing evidence that eating more fruit, vegetables and fish helps endometriosis sufferers. Healthy fats such as omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and nuts, including walnuts help. Limiting the amount of red meat is also thought to help. Diets full of trans fat (ie fried and processed foods) are thought more likely to trigger endometriosis symptoms.
Further help and support with the disease can be found at www.endometriosis-uk.org