Prolonged Period Cramps Could Be Endometriosis; Don’t Ignore It

The menstrual cycle or period defines a woman’s womanhood. But there are also several complications associated with it and cramps or pain in the abdomen is one of the major discomforts. While in most cases, the endurance of the cramp is no more than a week, some might find the discomfort lasting longer than the period days. This abnormality could be endometriosis, a sign of danger and should not be ignored. This prevalent, painful condition affects one out of every 10 women during their menstruation years and is affecting 190 million women globally (as per WHO).

Endometriosis is a medical condition that affects women of reproductive age. It occurs when endometrium, the tissue lining inside of the uterus, grows outside the uterus, attaching to other organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic area. Endometrial tissue in the uterus normally thickens every month and is shed during the menstrual period, leaving the body through menstrual blood. But with endometriosis, the tissue that grows outside of the uterus can’t exit the body like the one in the uterus does. It may also cause scar tissue to develop in the pelvis or a cyst (a fluid-filled sac) to form in an ovary, which can lead to severe pelvic pain.

Unlike a typical period, women with endometriosis have periods accompanied by excruciating cramps. People with endometriosis are seen describing their pain as stabbing, sharp, throbbing, gnawing or even intense cramping. The symptoms of endometriosis can vary in severity, and many women may not even realize they have the condition. It starts off with the complaint of having really bad cramping to the point of not being able to accomplish basic daily tasks, going to work or school.

Other symptoms of endometriosis include a heavy or irregular period, low energy, pain during intercourse, pain with bowel movements or urination, excessive bleeding, infertility and diarrheal or constipation during a menstrual period. The condition can decrease the quality of life due to severe pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, infertility and also rarely causing cancer. Most women with endometriosis are diagnosed late, more than seven years on an average. Endometriosis-associated infertility is affecting a large number of women and is only realised during family planning.  The condition occurs in 6% to 22% of women of reproductive age, making it one of the most common gynaecological disorders.

Although the exact cause of endometriosis is not yet certain, the possible reasons include problems with menstrual period flow, immune system disorder, hormones disorder, surgical scar implantation and genetic factor. There are also several risk factors associated with endometriosis such as early puberty, prolonged or frequent periods, not being able to bear a child and obstruction in menstruation flow.

Also, there is no known way to prevent endometriosis completely but the symptoms can be treated with medicines or, in some cases, surgery. Better lifestyle choices can also help fight the symptoms like lowering your estrogen levels with birth control pills, avoiding alcohol consumption and smoking, cutting down on caffeine, ensuring 30 minutes workout daily, eating a healthy diet, avoiding refined sugar, flour and processed foods, drink plenty of water, dress lightly, take supplements like Vitamin E, evening primrose oil, Vitamin B complex, calcium & magnesium and also back therapy can do wonders to alleviate symptoms.