For most women, period cramps are just part of their monthly cycle: uncomfortable, but endurable. But for women with endometriosis, that pain can be intense, making even simple daily activities feel overwhelming.
Endometriosis is surprisingly common, affecting about 10% of reproductive-age women — yet it’s widely misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed or even ignored. The good news? Endometriosis is definitely treatable, and the sooner you seek that treatment, the sooner you can relieve those painful symptoms and restore your quality of life.
If you’re having painful periods and you don’t know why, scheduling an evaluation is the first step toward finding relief. In this month’s blog, our team at Eve Medical of Miami provides a better understanding of endometriosis, including why it causes severe cramping — and how timely gynecologic care can help you feel better.
Endometriosis happens when the tissue that normally lines your uterus — called the endometrium — grows in areas outside your uterus, like on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even your bladder or bowel. These growths are called endometrial implants.
Even though this tissue isn’t inside the uterus, it still acts the same, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding during each menstrual cycle. While endometrial tissue in your uterus can be shed through the vagina, implant tissue has no way to exit your body. As a result, implants can cause considerable inflammation and irritation, along with unusually painful periods.
Over time, the repeated inflammatory cycle can lead to scar tissue called endometrial adhesions, or bands of tissue that cause organs and other structures to “stick together.” Adhesions contribute to painful symptoms, and in some cases, they can cause fertility issues, too.
Although researchers aren’t sure why endometriosis happens, they believe it’s likely due to a combination of factors, like hormonal changes, family history, starting periods at a young age, abnormal immune system responses, and even genetics.
There’s no single cure-all for endometriosis, but there are treatments that can help relieve pain and reduce its effects on your life. Treatment begins with a pelvic exam and other evaluations and tests to confirm that endometriosis is indeed the cause of your symptoms.
During your visit, we’ll also review your medical history and symptoms. Other issues can cause painful periods, too, so this first step is essential. While intense period pain tends to be the most common symptom associated with endometriosis, you might have other symptoms, too, depending on where the implants are located.
For instance, some women have digestive troubles or lower back pain. Others have spotting between periods, unusually heavy periods, or pain during intercourse. Keeping track of all your symptoms and when they occur — specifically how they relate to your menstrual cycle — aids in diagnosis.
Seeking treatment early helps prevent complications like adhesions that can make symptoms worse. Again, depending on your specific needs, the size and location of your implants, and other individual factors, your treatment plan might include pain medication, hot and cold therapy, gentle massage, stress management, hormone therapy, or even minimally invasive procedures to remove problematic implants.
If you’re living with severe cramps, pelvic pain, or other symptoms that don’t feel right, trust your instincts — your painful periods deserve medical attention. Endometriosis is common, treatable, and best managed when it’s diagnosed early.
To find out how we can help you manage your painful period symptoms, request an appointment with our team at Eve Medical of Miami in Miami, Florida, today.
