By Annette Pinder
Endometriosis is a condition in which the lining of a woman’s uterus grows throughout other parts of the body. Endometriosis affects one in 10 women, including young women who appear to be healthy. Lena Dunham, from the popular television series, “Girls” had her left ovary removed after spending years seeking an effective treatment to manage her pain.
Fortunately, according to Dr. Elizabeth Allen, of Surburban Women’s Healthcare, there are answers and possible solutions. She points to studies that say a more personalized approach to managing endometriosis may help identify medications that are most effective in treating this condition.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine studied 52 women with endometriosis to measure whether their progesterone levels were low, medium, or high, and found that progesterone receptor levels are strongly connected to the body’s response to progestin-based therapy. According to the researchers, this information could help with hormone-based treatments and result in a better understanding of how patients respond to progestin-based therapies, thus decreasing the likelihood of the disease reoccurring and surgeries such as the one Dunham elected to have.
Dr. Allen explains that, “When endometrial tissue (the uterine lining) grows outside of the uterus as it does with endometriosis, the tissue it attaches to becomes inflamed. Many women subsequently experience painful periods, infertility, painful intercourse, and chronic pelvic pain. Bladder and bowel symptoms can also be associated with endometriosis, as these organs are proximal to the uterus.
Unfortunately, endometriosis is often not recognized early enough. In fact, it can take up to 10 years for a diagnosis from the time that symptoms first appear. The etiology of endometriosis is not clear. It affects approximately 10 to 12 percent of American women of reproductive age, according to the American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists.
The first line of defense in treating endometriosis is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), like Ibuprofen. This treats the pain and inflammatory components. A continuous oral contraceptive can also be added to fight the hormones that feed endometriosis. Progesterone treatments are subsequently used in either oral form or in an IUD (intrauterine device) to counter the estrogen that endometriosis thrives on. Additional options focus on medications that target the hormonal cause of endometriosis more aggressively. There is no set “cocktail” that works for everyone, so it may take some time to find the treatment that works for you.
The physicians at Suburban Women’s Healthcare are doing all they can to help women who are suffering from the unpleasant and painful effects of endometriosis. To learn more about this condition visit https://www.endocenter.org.
Suburban Women’s Healthcare is a privately-owned OB/GYN practice consisting of board-certified female physicians where patients feel welcome and receive personalized care. Services include gynecology, birth control, prenatal, pregnancy, and obstetrical care, sonography, ultrasounds, surgeries, procedures, and laser hair removal. To learn more and make an appointment with one of the physicians, visit www.suburbanwomenshealthcare.com or call 716-876-5512. Walk-in appointments are also available daily for established patients with problems. New patients are always welcome.
