Adolescent Endometriosis: Signs, Remedies, and Further Insights
Endometriosis, a condition that affects roughly 6-14% of women and those assigned female at birth, including teenagers, can have a significant impact on the lives of young individuals. This progressive condition often presents symptoms shortly after puberty, making it essential for teenagers and their caregivers to be aware of the signs.
Painful menstrual cramps, heavy or prolonged periods, lower back pain, pelvic pain, bloating, mood swings, and fatigue are common symptoms to watch out for in teenagers. However, it's important to note that endometriosis pain often goes beyond typical menstrual cramps, significantly impacting the quality of life.
Additional symptoms may include pain during or after sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) as teenagers grow older, and symptoms can also include anxiety and anemia from heavy bleeding. Because definitive diagnosis requires surgery (laparoscopy), many young patients may initially be treated only symptomatically, leading to underdiagnosis.
Key symptoms for teenagers and young people to monitor include severe menstrual pain not relieved by common painkillers, heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, chronic pelvic or lower back pain, bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort, and mood changes possibly linked to chronic pain and hormonal effects.
If these symptoms occur and disrupt daily life, medical evaluation for endometriosis may be warranted. A doctor may perform a pelvic exam, imaging tests, prescribe medications, or perform a laparoscopy to diagnose endometriosis.
In cases of severe endometriosis symptoms, laparoscopy – a minimally invasive surgery – may be recommended. During this procedure, a surgeon locates and removes patches of endometriosis. After laparoscopy, an individual may continue with hormonal treatment to slow the growth of new patches of endometriosis.
Medication and hormonal birth control can help manage endometriosis symptoms. A doctor may recommend hormonal birth control as the first line of treatment for endometriosis. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help ease endometriosis pain but may not be effective for severe pelvic pain.
It is important to remember that catching endometriosis early is beneficial because it is a progressive condition. Early diagnosis of endometriosis is key in slowing the progression of the disease and in managing pain effectively.
Organisations like the World Endometriosis Research Foundation and the Endometriosis Association can provide emotional support and tips for managing the condition. If a teenager is experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, they may want to speak to a doctor or a parent about consulting a doctor.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Endometriosis. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355665
[2] Endometriosis UK. (2021). Endometriosis. [online] Available at: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/about-endometriosis/
[3] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Endometriosis. [online] Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis
[4] NHS. (2021). Endometriosis. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endometriosis/
[5] Office on Women's Health. (2021). Endometriosis. [online] Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis
- In some cases, hormonal birth control, such as Pfizer's contraceptive products, may be prescribed to help manage endometriosis symptoms, offering relief from painful menstrual cramps and other discomforts.
- Awareness of the impact of endometriosis on mental health is essential, especially for women, as a diagnosis of endometriosis may lead to increased anxiety and the need for additional support in managing the condition.
- The importance of blocking endometriosis progression lies in early diagnosis, as it benefits women by slowing the condition's progressive nature and aiding in effective management of symptoms related to health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and women's health.
