WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for June, 1997: Re: endometriosis

Re: endometriosis

From: D. Ashley Hill, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 26 Jun 1997 20:51:53 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Stacey: "endometriosis"
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At Thu, 26 Jun 1997, Stacey wrote: >
>I have a few questions concerning the diagnosis of endometriosis. Is
>this a hereditary condition?

Absolutely. Endometriosis runs in families.

Additionally, is pain/discomfort throughout the cycle of the >month a common symptom that there is growth of the tissue?

While pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis, it does not necessarily imply that the endometriosis is "growing". All it takes to cause pain are a few implants!

>I am 23 and over the past two years, I have steadily >noticed an increase in pain in the lower abdomen throughout >the month. Please give me your insight.

Endometriosis is hard to diagnose and sometimes hard to treat. The only certain way to diagnose it is via surgery (either laparoscopy through the belly button or more major surgery via an abdominal incision). However, many doctors are comfortable treating this based on clinical symptoms. Treatment options vary tremendously, and endometriosis is truly a disease that requires many visits to your doctor and a very close working relationship. It's a tricky disease that can tax the skills of even the most experienced condition. In other words, patients should not be disappointed if it takes some "fine tuning" to finally get relief from the symptoms. With time, and the right therapy, relief is almost always possible.

Treatment options, in no particular order, include birth control pills, medications of the same class as ibuprofen, a "male" hormone called danazol, high-dose progestins, "anti-hormone" medications given as a shot, implant, or nasal spray, certain anti-depressant medications that "block" the pelvic pain nerves, and surgical intervention like laparoscopy or even hysterectomy (the most extreme, but sometimes necessary, form of treatment).

As I mentioned, this requires a lot of work and trust between patient and doctor. Finding a gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist interested and experienced in this area is necessary in order to begin effective treatment. Good luck with everything!

--
Ashley Hill
D. Ashley Hill, M.D.
Associate Director
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency
Orlando, FL
dahmd@gate.net

Next message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Chronic Bladder Inflammation -Typo--oops!"
Previous message: Robert Radnich, M.D.: "Re: 13weeks / pelvic cavity"
In reply to: Stacey: "endometriosis"
Next in thread: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Thank you"

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