endometriosis Archives - Page 14 of 16

Resveratrol from Red Grapes Blocks Endometriosis

Published on February 27, 2013

7.8K views

A new study out of Germany found that resveratrol, the popular phytochemical derived from the skins of red grapes, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits may also have potent anti-angiogenic properties that inhibit the growth of endometriotic lesions.

How it Works

The infiltration and survival of endometriotic lesion requires ample blood supply. This requires new blood vessels to supply the endometriotic tissue with vital nutrients and growth factors. Without those blood vessels, the tissue dies. Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels are born. A compound that is anti-angiogenic blocks the birth or growth of new blood vessels, effectively starving the lesion or the tumor. Blocking angiogenesis is a popular mode of treatment for cancer, but has not been fully investigated in endometriosis.

In a mouse model of endometriosis (uterine tissue is surgically implanted in the mouse abdomen and allowed to grow), researchers tested whether resveratrol would block angiogenesis. It did. Mice fed 40 milligrams of resveratrol per kilogram of body weight per day of resveratrol had significantly less vascularization and smaller endometriotic lesions than did the control group.

Bottom Line

Will drinking resveratrol inhibit the growth human endometriosis? It’s too early to tell, but an emerging body of research is showing remarkable results with resveratrol and cancer in human and animal studies. More research is needed to determine its role in endometriosis and the appropriate dosing strategies. The nutritional supplements currently on the market may not have the concentration or purity of resveratrol used in the lab study. Just for reference, neither does red wine. This study was short, only four weeks, and of course, extrapolating from mice to humans is always problematic. The research is promising, however, and points to a new direction in endometriosis research – one that includes dietary changes.

Wish Me Well – Hysterectomy Looming

by Angela Wice

Published on February 26, 2013

3.8K views

As I embark on my surgery in a couple of days, I have come to terms with the fact that I could possibly wake up with the hysterectomy I have wanted for 5 years. I will not know for sure if the doctor will do the hysterectomy, as she is not willing to do the procedure unless there are complications. Is it bad to wish for complications? I want it all out. I have weighed the pros and cons. I know the hysterectomy provides only a 50/50 chance of getting better, but I am done with this disease. Fifteen years of suffering with endometriosis is enough.

I am afraid of what will happen to my hormones after the hysterectomy. I am not quite prepared for the wrath of raging hormones. Maybe I will just wake up with the tubes and left ovary gone. Maybe I am not yet facing the reality of what may come. I have begged and pleaded for a hysterectomy for so many years, but for some reason they would not do it. My doctor wants to try removing my tubes first and my left ovary to see what happens. I guess she is right. I should try this surgery one more time because my first surgery was so successful, in 2007. If it wasn’t for the post-surgery pelvic inflammatory disease that wreaked havoc on my insides, maybe I would be feeling better now.

I just don’t want to have another surgery after this. After this I am done and that is why deep inside I hope she removes everything.

This is a difficult decision to make, probably just as difficult as having to pull the plug on someone you know is not going to make it. You sit there with that thought in your mind “What if?” It is one of the most serious decisions of my life. I can’t take it back if it all goes wrong. I have to live with it.

The truth is, all the side effects don’t matter to me right now at all. I don’t want my woman parts anymore. I don’t want to have to go back and forth for all the tests only to end in tears and to be rejected my doctors who show no empathy when it comes to the survival of this disease. This choice is my decision to make mine and mine alone. I have listened to so many people and read so many stories but, in the end, I am sick of the cycle, sick of this disease, sick of the drugs, and just sick and tired of being sick and tired.

If she does not remove everything and I have no relief after this surgery, I will be looking for a surgeon that will remove it. I am 100% sure about this. I wasn’t sure before.

Thank you everyone who posted their thoughts, encouragement and concerns. I took them all in and made my decision. I just needed to be at peace with it. I am now. Wish me well. I will post again after the surgery.

My surgery is scheduled for February 28^th.

Is it Endometriosis or Something Else?

by Center for Endometriosis Care

Published on February 10, 2013

6K views

Endometriosis is an often misunderstood disorder affecting an estimated 176 million women and adolescents around the world, during what should be the “prime years of their lives” (Hummelshoj). Commonly characterized by symptoms that may be so severe as to interrupt one’s daily routine, whether with periods or at any time during the month, endometriosis accounts for the leading cause of pelvic pain in women of all ages.

Girls and women who suffer primarily during menses only may think, “Of course everyone’s periods are super painful – that’s how it’s supposed to be, right?” This is actually incorrect. Endometriosis is among the most common of diagnoses in adolescents and women with pelvic pain. Unfortunately, due to widespread lack of awareness and disease education, early symptoms are often dismissed as pelvic inflammatory disease or infection, ovarian cysts, appendicitis, IBS, Interstitial Cystitis, “normal” pain, or worse, an “in your head” diagnosis. This contributes to a near-decade delay in proper diagnosis and intervention. The good news is, accurate diagnoses are increasing as doctors and patients alike become better at recognizing the signs of endometriosis, particularly in younger women and girls. Early intervention combining timely diagnosis with proper treatment is essential towards preventing symptom progression and development of infertility (Sanfilippo et al.).

Though many women and girls may experience some discomfort during menstruation, “killer cramps” are NOT normal – despite what the media, friends and even well-intentioned loved ones may tell us. Pain is the body’s way of saying something is wrong. Symptoms that get in the way of school, work, sports, extracurricular or social life are an indication something is awry, as are persistent symptoms at any time of the month.

So What’s Normal?

minor period discomfort that may even require over the counter medication
occasional irregular or absent periods, particularly if athletic
“functional” ovarian cysts
pain during ovulation

What’s Not Normal?

severe and incapacitating period pain or pelvic pain at any time of the cycle that interrupts normal routine
GI discomfort, often but not necessarily around the time of menstruation
bladder pain or discomfort, during your period or apart from menses
chronic heavy bleeding and long cycles
if active, pain with sexual activity (especially upon penetration)
“chocolate” cysts known as “endometriomas”
subsequent allergies, food insensitivities or intolerances, chemical sensitivities, fatigue, or autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease may also be present in some women and girls with the disease

Time to See a Doctor

Any ongoing, worsening pain that has no obvious explanation should be evaluated further. “The younger the patient, the more valuable the early evaluation.” (Robert B. Albee, Jr., MD).

Sound Familiar?

you have pelvic pain during your period or at any time of the month that causes you to miss school, work or activities
you experience chronic stomach upset such as nausea, diarrhea or constipation
you have painful urination in absence of infection
if sexually active, intercourse or sexual activity are painful
you have family members who have been surgically diagnosed with endometriosis

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, talk to a trusted nurse or doctor about endometriosis.

Endometriosis is NOT…

An infection or sexually transmitted disease (“STD”)
Contagious or preventable
Caused by abortion
Caused by backflow periods and thus cured by hysterectomy
Untreatable!

You cannot “catch” endometriosis, and it isn’t an infection of any sort. You can’t “give” it to anyone else, and there is no absolute prevention. There are treatments that can help, however; and many women and girls live quite well in spite of the disease and are able to control their symptoms long-term through different options. The cornerstone of any effective treatment regimen is quality surgery; most notably, Laparoendoscopic Excision (LAPEX).

Being aware of signs of endometriosis can help get early diagnosis and treatment – critical to effective management. Pain – menstrual or otherwise – that interrupts one’s life is never normal – being aware of abdominopelvic pain, GI and/or urinary distress, and/or pain with sexual activity are significant indicators of endometriosis. The most important step a young woman can take is not trivializing her body’s signals. Pain is a sign that something isn’t right.

Societal taboos and a culture of menstrual misinformation may lead women and girls to think their pain is “in their head”, or they may even be told by others that they are “faking it” to get out of work or class – or that crippling period cramps are “totally normal” and “part of being a female”, but these outdated notions simply aren’t true. If you are experiencing pain or symptoms that get in the way of your life, see your doctor.

About the Authors: The Center for Endometriosis Care is a COEMIG-Designated Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery which was founded over two decades ago by renowned laparoscopic excision (LAPEX) pioneer Robert B. Albee, Jr., MD, FACOG, ACGE. The Center is run under the leadership of Medical Director Ken R. Sinervo, MD, FRCSC, ACGE along with a caring, compassionate staff. We continue our efforts as architects of the legacy in gold standard endometriosis care.

Medical Disclaimer: All material on this web site is provided for your information only and may not be construed as, nor should it be a substitute for, professional medical advice. To read more about our health policy see Terms of Use.

Drink Tart Cherry Juice

by Jordan Davidson

Published on February 1, 2013

10.2K views

You’ll thank me for this one later; perhaps in a day or two after you get over the initial shock of the cost versus volume of the tart cherry juice you just hesitantly purchased based on the advice of some health writer.

Rest assured, tart cherry juice is awesome. Here’s why:

It tastes amazing – especially if you like tart juices or if you like cherries. I equate it to drinking a thin version of pie filling (you can cut it with water if liquid pie isn’t your idea of a good time).
It is great for those suffering from chronic inflammation. I drink it to manage pelvic inflammation as a result of endometriosis. I know others who drink it to help manage arthritic inflammation and reduce gout related inflammation.
Tart cherries have natural pain relieving properties similar to ibuprofen and naproxen.
A pilot study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that tart cherry juice can help beat insomnia. This is due to the high levels of naturally occurring melatonin found in tart cherry juice.
Tart cherries are chock full of antioxidants and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good antioxidant?
Additional research from the University of Michigan, also published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, found that tart cherries can help to control weight and prevent some of the symptoms that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

So there you have it, six reasons why you should be drinking cherry juice if you aren’t already.

Lucine Medical Disclaimer: All material on this web site is provided for your information only and may not be construed as, nor should it be a substitute for, professional medical advice. To read more about our health policy see Terms of Use.

Hysterectomy or Not – Angela’s Endometriosis Update

by Angela Wice

Published on January 31, 2013

11.1K views

Well the time has come and I will be undergoing my second surgery for Endometriosis and PID damage February 28^th – a hysterectomy.

My health has been alright, all things considering. My husband and I haven’t been intimate for a while as it’s extremely painful to have sex and the medication I am currently on (Cymbalta) has lowered my sex drive almost to nothing. If we do have sex it takes extremely long to orgasm and sometimes I just can’t at all. That is very frustrating.

I haven’t had too much pain lately in my pelvic area and that is making me nervous. It makes me think that I should hold off on the surgery. However my bladder and bowels are bad and I need that looked at for sure. I feel a lot of scar tissue up near my liver and diaphragm where the endometriosis was before, so I am pretty sure the scar tissue is just all over the place.

The surgeon is making me extremely nervous. Her last words to me were “I am going to take your tubes and your left ovary, if there are complications I will open you up and take it all out.” When she said that, I just sat there. I couldn’t get any words out. I have asked for a hysterectomy so many times before, but have been refused. Now I am not prepared if she does one. I am more confused than ever.

I have researched hysterectomies and endometriosis for five years. I told myself that when I turned 35, if my endometriosis and all of the other issues were still here, I would have a hysterectomy. Well, I am 36 in June and no matter how much I have researched having a hysterectomy, I am still on the fence. Should I have a hysterectomy or not? There are so many complications and I wonder if a majority of my endometriosis is on my bladder and bowels what good would the hysterectomy do?

I had high grade cells removed from my cervix last year. Were these endometriosis lesions? Has anyone ever heard of this? All in all, I want my uterus and cervix out. I am not planning on having another baby and at this point it is safe to say I am infertile due to the shape of my uterus and the damage done to my tubes from PID.

I get depressed thinking about how long it will be for me to go into menopause naturally and what if that doesn’t even help then? Yes, at 36 I want to go into menopause. I want the pain to stop.

This disease is terrible. I wonder what would have happened if they caught it when I first started to have symptoms. Would I have this many complications? Would I have the excessive damage of the deep infiltrating endometriosis that they removed with my last surgery? Would I have the nerve damage that I have now? Would my bowels and bladder be in better condition? There are so many questions, but I will never have the answers to them.

I think that if my bowel and bladder symptoms were not as bad, I wouldn’t be in so much pain. I wonder if the excision surgery removed all the endo and if the pain I have is from endometriosis or something else. I will soon find out. I think there is huge damage from the PID along with massive scar tissue that has obstructed or intertwined with my bowels, ureter and bladder. As for now, I can only sit and wait to see what happens. I go for my pre-op on February 20^th so I can ask more questions then.

What do you guys think? What would you do if you were in my shoes? Hysterectomy or not?

A Personal Review of Endometriosis Diets

by Angela Wice

Published on January 11, 2013

7.2K views

For me, food has always seemed to control my life in some way or another, let it be my endometriosis, eating disorder, IBS-C or food intolerances. I have grown accustomed to obsessing over food.

As a child I had reflux and can only assume it was from the pablum or baby formula. When I was a teenager, I began having migraines. The doctors told me to stop eating nuts, cheese and chocolate.

For 15 years, I didn’t know that there were some foods I should or shouldn’t eat, because I didn’t know that I had endometriosis until I was 27.

When I was finally diagnosed, I was still struggling with bulimia but in recent years, I have learned to eat better.

Sometimes I sit back and think that I am too obsessive about food, but every time the endo pain strikes, I am brought back to reality. Food matters. Some foods make me feel better, others make me feel worse. Here is what I have learned so far.

The Zone Diet. I lost 5lbs and it really taught me the meaning of healthier foods and portion control. I wasn’t able to stay on it. As a single mom, my focus was on keeping sane while getting everything done by myself.

The Endometriosis Diet. There are many versions of this, but most suggest no red meat (unless it’s organic), no sugar, no wheat, no dairy and no processed foods. I struggle on and off with this diet to this day. I don’t really like meat at all, so avoiding meat is not a problem, but, I have a hard time digesting vegetables especially raw vegetables. In fact, unless the vegetables are juiced or in a soup, my stomach cannot handle eating vegetables; I get severe bowel pain, indigestion, and bloating.

The Brown Rice Diet. I tried the brown rice diet that was suggested by my dietician. It lasted all of one day because I just couldn’t stomach plain rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I would gag at the sight of it.

Detox. I tried a lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup detox that was supposed to help heal and clear the bowels. It helped, but there are only so many days that someone can drink that concoction without feeling nauseated.

Yeast Busters. I was told by a naturopathic doctor that I candida, so I tried a yeast busters diet. It meant I couldn’t eat anything that contained yeast, sugar or gluten. Goodbye condiments and just about every other processed food. This diet was okay. I did feel it helped a bit but when the detox period of about 3 weeks was over. Then, I continued on with my life and same old pain returned.

Enemas. In 2010, I was at a crossroad. I just couldn’t handle the pain from my bowels any longer. I began using enemas weekly. After a year it turned into twice sometimes three times a week. I met a Naturopath that did some tests on me and said I had a wheat, dairy and spelt intolerance and that no nutrients were absorbing into my body. She said that was why I wasn’t feeling well. She prescribed about $300+ worth of supplements as well as some yeast herbs called Candicin. She said that I had candida in my large and small bowels. I was yeast and sugar free for one month along with gluten and dairy free for three months. I really felt a change for the better. The bowel pain was still there, so she suggested water enemas instead of what I was presently doing. The pain never left.

Paleo Diet. November 2012 I decided that I was going back on a gluten and dairy free diet because despite the pain in the stomach, my overall health was so much better. I did have a relapse over Christmas. It’s difficult for relatives and other people to understand that I just can’t eat the same foods they eat. Over the holidays, I gave in and ate what was served. I am now back on the diet and don’t plan to go off of it. A couple things I noticed. All that meat in the Paleo Diet was making me feel sick and the thought of eating anymore meat almost turned me off Paleo completely. However I did feel better with no stomach pain. In addition to removing gluten and dairy from my diet, I have also removed sugar, beans and grains. I found that not having beans and grains at all is what helped the most. Since there is no sugar allowed and I am prone to yeast infections, I can’t juice anymore which really upsets me as I really enjoy it.

After the first week, I the stomach pain stopped completely and I felt really good all over. I am not sure how many more diets

I have to try but I feel that I am getting closer to my optimum diet. I think that everyone reacts differently to different foods. My body just seems to not like anything other than soup and protein shakes.

What are some of your endometriosis diet wins and losses? Do certain foods trigger your pain?

Migraines More Common in Women with Endometriosis

by Chandler Marrs, PhD

Published on January 3, 2013

7K views

Endometriosis affects upwards of 176 million women worldwide – approximately 10% of the menstruating population. It is one of the more commonly reported diseases among followers of Hormones Matter, with most women reporting over 10 years of pain and suffering before a proper diagnosis.

Data suggest that at least a third of women with endometriosis may also suffer from migraines. Researchers from Italy found a significantly higher frequency of migraine (38.3%) in women with confirmed endometriosis versus healthy women (15.1%). The onset of migraine was five years earlier (16.4 years versus 21.9) in women with endometriosis and more likely to be a migraine with aura.

The co-occurrence of migraine and endometriosis has only recently begun to be investigated and clues to potential common causes are poorly articulated. There is speculation that migraines cause endometriosis or that endometriosis elicits migraine. Neither has sufficient supporting evidence. The search for clear genetic linkages between migraine and endometriosis is promising but remains in its infancy.

Perhaps we’re looking in the wrong places. As we reported in Endometriosis and Neuropathy, rodent models of endometriosis, suggest a clear neural-uterine connection that initiates endometriotic pain in some but not all. Specifically, some endometriotic tissue sprouts nerve fibers capable of sending pain signals to the brain. Regardless of the cause of the initial endometriotic implants, it is certain that the dynamic hormone biochemistry of the female body would regulate or dysregulate neural firing and pain signaling. The pain of endometriosis though regionally different, could be mechanistically similar to migraine pain. Just a thought.

Endometriosis, Medical and Naturopathic Doctors

by Angela Wice

Published on January 2, 2013

5.4K views

During my endometriosis journey of the last 22 years, I have seen more than 40 doctors and specialists, including three naturopaths. I have come to realize that I have to be an advocate for my own health. If I don’t agree with the doctor’s suggestion or diagnosis, I get a second or third opinion. Here is my experience with medical and naturopathic physicians.

Early Menstrual Pain and Endometriosis

I began seeing doctors when I was 13 years old. I always went alone to the appointments. I guess I saw too many different doctors for anyone to come with me and support me. They thought I was just a hypochondriac.

For years, test after test showed nothing but mild scoliosis and thoracic outlet syndrome; they told me it was all in my head and that I should accept it and take antidepressants. I had doctors talk to me like I was an idiot and prescribe medications for conditions I clearly did not have. One doctor told me that he couldn’t be my doctor anymore because I cried too much. Several doctors embarrassed me in front of other patients because they were frustrated that my body was in so much pain and couldn’t figure out why. Twenty–two years later, I was diagnosed with stage IV endometriosis, proof that the pain was real.

Alternative Care

Frustrated with medical doctors, I went to a naturopath doctor that was hours away. I just wanted to see if she could find something the other doctors could not. She asked me to lie down on my back and then she walked around me, touched my arms, looked into my eyes. The rest I really can’t remember, it was long ago. The interesting thing was, without any tests, she said I had an overabundance of yeast and that my stomach was out of place. Then she moved it back into place! I swear it was so strange because for the first time I felt that I could breathe. It no longer felt as if someone was sitting on top of my chest. She told me to do a yeast free diet along with eating raw pumpkin seeds and some other items as well. It was an interesting visit. Later I found out that my stomach had been out of place. Scar tissue from the endometriosis pulled it out of place.

In 2009 I went to see a dietician. After a long interview, she said I had hypoglycemia, bone loss, and adrenal fatigue. This again is something that I would remember later on, as I put the pieces of my illness together. Because I was on Lupron, I have osteoporosis in my jaw. It is possible that the Lupron and the suppression of all the estrogens have caused serious bone loss elsewhere in my body. No one had considered sending me to get a recent bone scan. My last one was 12 years ago, so at my next GP appointment I will be asking for one.

In 2011, I went to another naturopath. She said I had food intolerances to wheat, dairy and spelt and that my body was not absorbing any nutrients, minerals or vitamins. She put me on a load of supplements to get my body going and for a time, it was working. While on the diet I had more energy, I was more alert and over all I felt great. Then I was put on Amitriptyline for nerve pain from the endometriosis and everything fell apart. The Amitriptyline made me feel groggy, crave junk food and I didn’t want to do anything. It was almost like the medication was making me depressed. I was on 70mg a night. The one good thing it did was help me sleep, something I have needed for years.

Back to a Medical Doctor

In 2012, I went to one of the best doctors of Canada. He pulled all of my files from all the doctors I had seen over the years. His office sent me a copy of everything. This was the first time I had access to all of my medical records. At least half the information in my file was wrong. (Ladies request your medical files!) Much of the information was new – tests that had not been ordered but that were in my file anyway, notes to disregard anything that anyone other than a medical doctor had told me. From these files, I learned that I must take all of my files with me and make notes. Otherwise, there is no guarantee the information will be accurate. If it hadn’t been for my persistence to research and find one of the best doctors for endometriosis, I wouldn’t be writing this article as we speak.

All in all, the Naturopathic doctors made me feel better and talked to me like a human being, while many of the medical doctors treated me like a piece of garbage, humiliated me and made me feel like I was crazy. I wasn’t crazy. The five hours of surgery to remove and repair the endometriosis damaged organs proved the pain was real. It had a cause.

Where I Stand Now

After years of suffering with endometriosis and being ignored and humiliated by medical doctors, it is difficult for me to listen to their advice. The errors and comments in my medical files showed a blatant disregard for my health. Many of my doctors thought I was crazy or faking it. I feel that I have wasted most of my life in and out of doctors’ offices. It was only through my persistence that I found the one doctor who was able to diagnose my endometriosis.

For now, I have decided to still take my birth control pills for my endometriosis – they seem to work. At least, the pills even out my moods. Eventually, I would like to come off of the pill and my other medications. As for everything else, it’s all natural and clean eating for me. I am also learning how to manage stress. Unless I am dying or I feel it’s 100% needed, I will never see a doctor again.

Have you had a similar experience? How long did it take to find your endometriosis? Share your story so that other women don’t have to suffer.

Lucine Medical Disclaimer: All material on this website is provided for your information and may not be construed as, nor should it be a substitute for, professional medical advice. The opinions reflected in patient posts reflect those of the writer and not necessarily those of the company.

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endometriosis - Page 14

Resveratrol from Red Grapes Blocks Endometriosis

How it Works