Welcome
to “Health
Talkin’ with
Doc Griggs.”
In conjunction
with the Xavier
University
School of
Pharmacy Health & Wellness
Center, we will discuss topics
that we find most relevant in
our community. Our shared
goal is to help you Get
Checked. Get Fit.
Get Moving!™
References:
1. Apostolopoulos N, Alexandraki K, Gorry A, Coker A. Association between chronic pelvic pain
symptoms and the presence of endometriosis. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics serial
online. Feb 2016;293(2):439-445. Available from: MEDLINE Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed
Feb 25, 2018.
2. Bill AH, Liu JH. Endometriosis. Merck Manuals. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/
gynecology-and-obstetrics/endometriosis/endometriosis. Updated Jan 2017. Access Feb 25, 2018.
3. Buggio L, Barbara G, Facchin F, Frattaruolo MP, Aimi G, Berlanda N. Self-management and
psychological-sexological interventions in patients with endometriosis: strategies, outcomes,
and integration into clinical care. International Journal of Women’s Health. 2017; 9:281-293.
doi:10.2147/IJWH.S119724.
4. Riazi H, Tehranian N, Ziaei S, Mohammadi E, Hajizadeh E, Montazeri A. Clinical diagnosis of
pelvic endometriosis: a scoping review. BMC Women's Health serial online. May 8, 2015;15:39.
Available from: MEDLINE Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed Feb 25, 2018.
5. Schrager S, Falleroni J, Edgoose J. Evaluation and treatment of endometriosis. American Family
Physician serial online. Jan 15, 2013;87(2):107-113. Available from: MEDLINE Complete,
Ipswich, MA. Accessed Feb 25, 2018.
6. Whiteman MK, Kuklina E, Jamieson DJ, Hillis SD, Marchbanks PA. Inpatient hospitalization
for gynecologic disorders in the United States. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
2010 Jun;202(6): 541.e1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2009.12.013. Accessed Feb 25, 2018.
Health
Talkin'
with
ENDOMETRIOSIS
by: Murphy, Evonne; Kirchain William PharmD; Griggs, Eric MD
Nearly 10 percent of women in the
U.S. live with endometriosis4,5. This is
a disease which only affects the female
reproductive system. In the female body,
a special tissue lines the inside of the
uterus. In this health condition, patches
of that same tissue appear in other parts
of the body2,4.
The exact cause of this disease is not
known. However, there are theories. It
is thought to be more common among
women who have close female relatives
who are also diagnosed (i.e. mother,
sister). Risk factors include early
periods and late menopause.
Low Body Mass Index (BMI),
bleeding more than five days
and short cycles (< 28 days) have
also been shown to be related2,4,5.
Many women do not show symptoms.
Yet, some women experience severe
effects. Cramping, heavy bleeding, even
inability to have children, to name a
few4. One of the most major symptoms
is a chronic pelvic pain (CPP). This
refers to pain in the pelvic area which
lasts for at least six months. Studies
show that almost 80 percent of women
with CPP are sooner or later diagnosed
with endometriosis1.
This condition takes both a physical
and mental toll on women. Normal
endometrial tissue relies on hormones
like estrogen. The extra tissue responds
to estrogen in a similar way. This makes
it possible for women to feel pain and
have bleeding at any site the tissue is
located2. This severe pain can lead to
a lower quality of life. Some negative
outcomes include more hospital visits
and less time spent at work6.
Over-the-counter pain medicine is the
“go-to” treatment. It is easy to find, low
in cost and relatively safe. It is hormone
therapy that steals the spotlight though.
This type of therapy includes low-dose
and long-term birth controls. Low-dose
birth controls take the form of tablets,
vaginal rings, and patches. Long-term
birth control choices include shots,
implants, and IUDs. All have been
shown in studies to help control pain5.
Changes to diet also show value.
Decreasing the amount of red meat in
the diet can lower the level of harmful
substances in the body3,4 while eating
more Omega 3-fatty acids helps build
up the number of protective agents.
Massages soothe sore and tender spots.
Regular exercise, yoga, and meditation
aid mental health. All are also shown to
improve overall pain control3,5.
Even after trying medicine, symptoms
sometimes still appear. In these cases,
surgery may be an option. The type
depends on a woman’s life plans. For
women who want children, removing
the extra tissue is recommended. This
can reduce the amount of pain felt and
even improve chances of pregnancy.
For women who do not, the option is to
remove the uterus5.
Don’t let endometriosis rule your day!
Remember these tips to boost symptom
relief3,4,5:
• Try an over the counter pain
medicine (i.e. naproxen)
• Try changes in diet and exercise
• Increase physical activity
• Eat less red meat and more foods
rich in Omega-3
For severe symptoms, talk to your
doctor to create a plan that best fits your
needs.
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