Endometriosis

 

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue similar to that which lines the innermost layer   of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometrial tissue is shed each month during menstruation. This blood has no way to exit, it becomes trapped and form a cyst called endometrial cyst . Areas of endometrial tissue found in ectopic locations are called endometrial implants. These lesions are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, the surface of the uterus, the bowel, and on the membrane lining of the pelvic cavity (i.e. the peritoneum). They are less commonly found to involve the vagina, cervix, and bladder. Rarely, endometriosis can occur outside the pelvis. Endometriosis has been reported in the liver, brain, lung, and old surgical scars. If the endometrial tissue is within an ovary, that ovary will fill with blood. These are called endometriomas and are cysts in the ovary filled with old blood. This old blood has the appearance of thin chocolate.so it  is  also called chocolate cysts of the ovary.. An elevated Ca-125 is often associated with endometriosis.
.Endometriosis can cause pain — sometimes severe — especially during your period.

Endometriosis and infertility

In endometriosis, there is a risk of female infertility of up to 30% to 50%
The mechanisms by which endometriosis may cause infertility is not clearly understood, particularly when the extent of endometriosis is low. Still possible mechanisms include:
Anatomical distortions and adhesions (the fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs following recovery from an injury)
The release of factors from endometriotic cysts which are detrimental to gametes or embryos. An endometriotic cyst contains free iron, reactive oxygen species, proteolytic enzymes and inflammatory molecules.
Severe endometriosis causes pelvic scarring and distortion of pelvic anatomy. The tubes can become damaged or blocked and the ovaries often contain cysts of endometriosis (endometriomas) and may become adherent to the uterus, bowel or pelvic side wall. Any of these anatomic distortions can result in infertility.In some cases the eggs in the ovaries can be damaged, resulting in decreased ovarian reserve and reduced egg quantity and quality.

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Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue  from endometrium implants  grow, and function outside the uterus, generally in the pelvic region.

Location of Implants

Ovaries
Fallopian tubes
Uterine surface
Bowel
Bladder
Rectum
peritoneum.
Rarely-spinal column, nose, lungs, pelvic lymph nodes, the forearm, and the thigh.

Process of Endometriosis

Each month, endometrial implants fill with blood, thicken, break down, and bleed.
Products of the endometrial process cannot be shed through the vagina. Instead, the implants develop in to collections of blood that form cysts
Lesions may grow as the cycle continues
Chocolate cyst or Endometrioma
.
The ovary is a common site for endometriosis. When endometriosis
involves the ovary, the area of endometrial tissue may grow and bleed, forming a brown-coloredcystic area referred to as a chocolate cyst or endometrioma.
Causes of Endometriosis
Unknown
Theories of the cause of endometriosis
Retrograde Menstruation.
Exposure to Estrogen..
Impaired Immune System.
Inflammatory Response.

signs and symptoms

Dysmenorrhea Pelvic pain and cramping may begin and extend several days before menses ( may include lower back and abdominal pain.)
Pain with intercourse. Pain during or after sex.
Pain with bowel movements or urination. during menses
Excessive bleeding. heavy periods (menorrhagia) or bleeding between periods (menometrorrhagia).
Other symptoms. also experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.
Infertility.
Infertility is main complication of endometriosis
Distort the  anatomy of the pelvis
If implants occur in the fallopian tubes, they may block the egg’s passage.
Adhesions that form among the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes can prevent the transfer of the egg to the tube.
Implants that occur in the ovaries prevent the release of the egg.
Hormonal and Ovulatory Abnormalities.
Impaired Implantation.

How  can  we   prevent  endometriosis?

You can’t prevent endometriosis. But you can reduce your chances of
developing it by lowering the levels ofthe hormone estrogen in your body
How we can lower  the levels ofthe estrogen
Exercise regularly  Regular exercise and a lower amount of body fat help decrease the amount of estrogen circulating through the body (more than 4 hours a week)
Avoid large amounts of alcohol. Alcohol raises estrogen levels..
Avoid large amount of drinks with caffeine. Studies show that drinking more than one caffeinated drink a day, can raise estrogen levels

Food to avoid

Wheat—contains phytic acid & gluten
Red meats promotes negative prostaglandins  cause inflammation
Refined and concentrated carbohydrates
Refined sugar and honey, chocolate  cause inflammation
Dairy products – milk cheese , butter cream cause inflammation
Eggs- dioxin
Fried foods – stimulate
negative prostaglandins

 Diet  to  reduce symptoms

Mustard greens, dark green vegetables .broccoli, cabbage will modulate estrogen levels
Eat a high fiber diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, (excluding wheat)  and nuts
Brown rice
ginger , garlic, onions
oatmeal
Eat more sources of
omega–3 fats such as
fatty fish fishoil
pumpkin seeds
Choose organicproduce,
meat, and milk
when possible

TREATMENT

There are medicines in homoeopathy  to
1.To  inactivate the extra endometrial tissue
2. To  absorb the endometrial products
3.To  dissolve  the  scar tissue  and addition
4.To  modulate estrogen levels