Happiful August 2019

What is endometriosis?
With 176 million women across the world believed to have endometriosis, it’s a condition
affecting a huge number of lives, and yet for many of us it remains a bit of a mystery…
Here, nutritional therapist Sonal Shah, explores the symptoms to be aware of, possible
causes, along with how diet could be key to managing the condition
Writing | Sonal Shah
The second
most common
gynaecological
condition in the UK,
endometriosis is the abnormal
growth of cells that form in the
lining of the uterus. Some of
these cells may, instead of being
expelled from the body during
the menstrual process, actually
end up continuing their cycle
elsewhere. They then have no
way of leaving the body, so the
material builds up and may attach
itself to other organs in the lower
abdomen, such as the ovaries,
fallopian tubes, or bowel.
While endometriosis can affect
women of any age, it is most often
found in those in their 30s and
40s. While it’s difficult to pinpoint
the exact number of women
who develop endometriosis,
it’s estimated that one in 10
women of reproductive age in
the UK have it, and it costs the
UK economy around £8.2 billion
each year due to treatment, loss of
work, and associated healthcare
costs. So, understanding how to
manage and reduce the impact
of endometriosis on the lives of
sufferers is essential, and the
likelihood is you already know
someone who is all-too-familiar
with the pain and discomfort this
condition can bring...
SYMPTOMS AND
COMPLICATIONS
When it comes to endometriosis,
it really can be quite a unique
experience for people. One thing
to note is that the severity of
endometriosis does not always
correspond to the level of pain
and discomfort experienced.
Additionally, symptoms can vary
from one woman to another, and
some women may not experience
any symptoms at all.
For those who do, the classic
symptoms to be aware of include
pelvic pain, heavy periods,
intermittent pain throughout
the menstrual cycle, painful
intercourse, painful bowel
movements, fatigue, nausea,
vomiting and constipation during
menses, and infertility.
One of the primary concerns
with endometriosis is that it can
cause fertility problems. While
the reasoning for this is not
fully understood, it is thought
to be because of damage
caused to the fallopian tubes or
ovaries.
Other issues which can
arise include some women
developing adhesions – ‘sticky’
areas of endometriosis tissue
that can join organs together.
Ovarian cysts may also develop,
which are fluid-filled cysts in
the ovaries that can sometimes
become very large and painful,
and can be treated with surgery.
For some women, the impact
that endometriosis can have on
their life can lead to depression,
so it’s important to recognise
symptoms, and look for support
with managing the condition as
soon as possible.
If you suspect you may have
endometriosis, it’s important
that you speak with your GP. As
symptoms can vary, it’s a good
idea to keep track of them in a
diary so that you can accurately
describe them during your
appointment with the doctor.
60 • happiful.com • August 2019