One in Nine women and those assigned female at birth are diagnosed with endometriosis (Endo), and yet it is still a very commonly misunderstood disease.

If you or someone you love has or suspects they have Endometriosis, talk to your doctor because I am definitely not one. But I hope this can be helpful to those who aren’t 100% sure about ENDO

WHAT IS IT?
Endo is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in places that it shouldn’t such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and even the bowels. Endometriosis is not the endometrium which means it isn’t actually the lining of the uterus, just tissue similar to it.

Every month when you have your period you shed the lining of the uterus and that lining has a place to come out of. Now imagine if that lining didn’t have a place to go, how painful that would be. That’s what it is like for women living with endo.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
According to the Endometriosis foundation of American or Endofound.org the symptoms of endo are

Irregular periods
Painful Periods
Pain during or after sex
Bowel and Urinary disorders
Pain in the lower extremities
Infertility
Fatigue
And More, like a lot more….

WHO CAN ENDO EFFECT?
Endo can effect anyone who was assigned female at birth. It doesn’t matter the age, race or gender. Anyone can be develop endo after their first period. This means teenagers and even older women.

WHAT DO I DO IF I SUSPECT I HAVE ENDO?
The first place to start is with your doctor, and don’t stop advocating for yourself. It takes the average woman 7 YEARS to receive an Endo diagnosis. This is due to many factors, so don’t be afraid to seek a second, third and fourth opinion if you have to.

Really, no one can know for sure if you have Endo unless you get a Laparoscopy (Often called a Key hole surgery due to the tiny incisions) which is a procedure where you will be put under anesthesia and the surgeon will use a scope to examine and possible remove excess tissue in places where it doesn’t belong.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT CAN HELP MANAGE THE SYMPTOMS OF ENDO.

Though it’s not really clear why, many women have found that changing their diet helps them manage the symptoms of Endo. Thought exercise may seem like it would exacerbate symptoms of Endo, it’s also been show in numerous studies to help women manage the symptoms.

THE CURE FOR ENDO
Notice I didn’t mention a cure, there is currently no known cure for Endo, but there are many ways that women can manage their symptoms and live relatively normal lives.

If you’re ready for an ENDO-Friendly workout plan with a knowledgable Personal trainer and nutrition coach then I would love for you to reach out to me and schedule a consultation at Abbiescharbach.com/Contact