Painful periods can be common, but that doesn’t mean they’re normal. Menstrual cramping might be mild to moderately severe and usually lasts 1-3 days.
But about 1 in 10 women with painful periods have extreme pain that prevents them from exercising, working, or completing other routine daily activities. Could your painful periods be caused by endometriosis?
Finding the root cause and easing your symptoms can restore quality of life and peace of mind. Visit with board-certified OB/GYN Daniel Esteves, MD, and our staff at his private practice in Lawrenceville and Loganville, Georgia, to find out what’s going on.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It could grow on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other areas in your pelvis.
The result may be inflammation, intense cramps, heavy bleeding, infertility, and other life-altering concerns.
Endometriosis affects about 10% of women around the world. While common, it can go undetected because its pain is often dismissed as normal menstrual cramping.
The good news? You don’t have to just live with it. Treatments range from pain management and hormonal therapies to surgery, depending on your symptoms and their severity. If your periods regularly interfere with work, school, or daily life, it’s worth talking to a healthcare provider to determine how to best ease your pain.
The following are symptoms of endometriosis to be aware of:
Not everyone has noticeable symptoms of endometriosis.
The following may increase your risk of experiencing endometriosis:
Endometriosis symptoms may improve after menopause.
Dr. Esteves can determine if you have endometriosis by reviewing your symptoms and medical history, completing a pelvic exam, and ordering an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or other imaging tests.
He completes laparoscopy by inserting a small camera into your pelvis to know for sure if you have endometriosis. Dr. Esteves may remove tissues during a biopsy and send it to a lab. He can also remove or destroy suspicious tissues to ease symptoms or improve fertility.
Medications and hormonal therapies also help relieve painful symptoms. Endometriosis may go away on its own over time, especially after menopause.
It’s important to determine the underlying cause of painful periods, as endometriosis isn’t the only culprit. Other possible causes include:
Determining the root cause of your pain can ease uncomfortable periods and reduce your risk of infertility and other endometriosis complications.
See Dr. Esteves for a well-woman exam to find the cause of painful or heavy periods and relieve your discomfort. Call our nearest office or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.
