endometriosis symptoms and related diseases
Every woman is unique. So it is her endometriosis!
It's not a cliché. The location, depth of the injuries and impact of the consequences vary immensely. It is a complex, dynamic and in many cases multidisciplinary disease. The possible symptoms are very diverse and can vary throughout the menstrual cycle. So whenever someone tells me they have endo, I ask where? How is YOUR endo?
As a woman with endometriosis, you will have your own list of symptoms or even none at all for now! It doesn't predict at all what you feel or will feel. It's just an extensive reference that can be useful for anyone who wants to know more about endometriosis. Above all, it I compiled this list to create Hatha Yoga practices more adapted to the situation/situations we want to improve, that take into account the most diverse aspects of endometriosis. Sequences that adapt to you, your menstrual cycle and the symptoms you experience in each phase.
I grouped the symptoms and related diseases into:
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Most common warning symptoms - the 4D‘s
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Depending on the location of the pain and the system impacted
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General
As I mentioned in the stages and the myths about endometriosis, endo is not necessarily restricted to the female reproductive system. It can appear anywhere, even in the eye! It is important that we have this awareness so that the diagnosis is more timely and that endometriosis can be screened for even with less obvious symptoms.
However, I don't want to cause alarm. The areas of the uterus, ovaries and tubes are clearly the most frequently affected. Very distant areas such as the eyes, for example, are a very rare exception [1].
1. Most common warning symptoms - the 4D’s
According to Mulherendo, a Portuguese association supporting women with endometriosis, there are 4 D's that we should pay attention to:
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Dysmenorrhea - pain during menstruation
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Dyschezia - pain when defecating
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Dyspareunia - pain during sexual intercourse
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Dysuria - pain when urinating
2. Symptoms and related illnesses depending on the location of the pain and the system impacted
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Gynecological:
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Symptoms
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Dysmenorrhea: menstrual pain that can be disabling and that does not subside with common anti-inflammatories
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Dyspareunia: pain during sexual intercourse
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Heavy menstruation
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Irregular cycles
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Spotting, small flow losses and brown fabric
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Abdominal pain
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Low back pain
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Related diseases
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Infertility
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Adenomyosis, endometriosis of the uterus. It occurs when endometrial cells infiltrate the myometrium, causing the walls of the uterus to thicken and painful and heavy periods.
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Anemia resulting from heavy or too frequent periods
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Sexual dysfunction
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Gastrointestinal:
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Symptoms
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Dyschezia: pain when evacuating
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Intense intestinal cramps
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Blood loss in stool
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Nausea and vomiting
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Diarrhea and/or constipation that can alternate
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Abdominal distension, the famous “Endo Belly”
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Flatulence
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Abdominal pain
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Related diseases
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Urological:
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Symptoms
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Dysuria: Painful urination
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Frequent urge to urinate
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Weight in the bladder area
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Abdominal pain
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Low back pain
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Blood loss in urine during menstruation
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Related diseases
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Cystitis or irritable bladder
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Recurrent urinary infections, without necessarily the presence of bacteria
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Kidney failure in extreme cases, for example because the ureters are blocked by adhesions
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Others. As there is no limit to where endometriosis can appear, consequently the symptoms will be very diverse. For example, endometriosis in the diaphragm causes difficulty and pain when breathing.
3. General
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Chronic pain, chronic pelvic pain and chronic fatigue, particularly in the most severe cases of chronic inflammation
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Weakened immune system
References
[1] Eyes, menstruation and endometriosis - Facts, views & vision in ObGyn. (2023, June 30). Retrieved December 11, 2024, from https://fvvo.eu/archive/volume-15/number-2/reviews/eyes-menstruation-and-endometriosis/