PCOS and endometriosis

Menstrual periods are jerks, especially when they are giving us problems.  Problems like PMS, pain, unusually heavy periods, PCOS and endometriosis aren’t normal.  I’d like to focus on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis today since these cause a lot of pain.

PCOS painful periods

If you are barely ovulating or not ovulating at all – this can be a big problem.  You’re not alone because many women have this problem.  It could be why they have a hard time conceiving.  If this is you, you may be dealing with some of the following issues:

• Cysts
• Fertility problems
• More male hormones than you should have (androgens)
• Pain
• Pimples and possibly greasy (i.e. oily) skin – you know how much I hate that!
• more hair than usual, where it shouldn’t be – think mustaches or even excessive hair anywhere else
• increased weight – ho hum
• Anxiety or other emotional issues due to the above.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, of course, you should see your doctor.  Obviously, if you’re trying to get pregnant and can’t, you most likely have gone to see a doctor.  But, what if you aren’t in the baby making mode yet you still have that very oily skin, pain, a lot of hair or excess weight?

Endometriosis

From my research, I can tell you that I have learned that this condition can be very painful.  It’s a situation where something is happening where it shouldn’t – a growth outside of the uterus like the fallopian tubes or maybe even the ovaries.  It can even be in a nearby organ.  Crazy, right?  When this happens, your body reacts with inflammation and that’s when you start getting scar tissue.  If you start feeling pain in the pelvis area, that is a huge warning sign.  And, if it’s so bad that it is disrupting the quality of your life, it’s time to see a doctor.

Other issues that may alert you that you might have endometriosis:

• Very heavy periods
• Periods that last longer than a week.
• Problems with your bowels (i.e. period poops or sometimes, constipation)
• Bladder pain
• Bloating
• Constant tiredness – do you always feel fatigued?
• Depression or other emotional issues due to the above.
• Pain during intercourse.

Apparently, endometriosis is very common but you may not realize you have it – unless your doctor has done tests.

PCOS and endometriosis

PCOS and endometriosis is debilitating but it’s good to know that the symptoms can tell you something and signal when you should go to the doctor.  My goal is to let you know that you don’t have to suffer.  My menstrual issues were significant and it took me a long time to understand what was happening and there was something that could be done.  There were times I couldn’t leave the house – mainly because I didn’t know it wasn’t normal.  I felt so alone and until I went to the doctor and actually found the right one, I suffered.

When my original doctor told me it was normal to have heavy periods as you get older, I believed her.  She wasn’t wrong but she dismissed my issues and concerns – and that was wrong.  After a while, I ended up leaving her for those as well as other reasons.  In the meantime, my issues increased until I ended up in the emergency room for what seemed like an unrelated issue.

Thanks to the ER doctor who told me something ‘just wasn’t right’, he urged me to see some specialists.  He didn’t necessarily know where to send me but we started with the most logical at the time, based on my symptoms and what brought me to the ER.  It was because of that fateful day and a caring doctor (who didn’t dismiss my symptoms) that I finally figured out my issues were hormone related.  So, I urge you to take your life back so you don’t end up in the emergency room like I did.