I had to complete a Powerpoint presentation for my finals! I thought that I would share it since I chose to do it about Endometriosis.
Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells (endometrial cells are cells that shed each month with your menstrual cycle) similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. These cells are also non-cancerous.
Although, the specific cause of Endometriosis is unknown there are a few things that can lead to Endometriosis being a problem. Retrograde menstruation is the backwards flow of blood up into the Fallopian tubes sticking to whatever it lands on and starts to grow. Immune system malfunction is another theory of causing Endometriosis. Some women's immune systems allow endometriosis to develop by not controlling or stopping the growth of tissue outside of the uterus. Researchers have found that families can carry bad genes that allow abnormal cells to survive and grow in the pelvic area. Families having genes that allow abnormal cell growth and survival is also considered a risk factor. Along with menstrual cycle factors, allergies, obesity, and exposure to toxins. Women who start their menstrual cycle at an early age are more likely to suffer from Endometriosis, along with heavy, painful periods, short menstrual cycles and long periods. Endometriosis is also linked to allergies (food, eczema and hay fever), obesity, and exposure to toxins. Environmental pollution (like dioxins) are suspected of helping the development of endometriosis.
The only way to be diagnosed with endometriosis is by having a surgical procedure done called a laparoscopy, which is a small incision or a laparotomy, which is a lard incision. Medical treatment options are available for women in their reproductive years. These medications include GnRH analogs, oral contraceptive pills, and progestins. Surgical treatment options are classified as either conservative or definitive. Conservative is when the uterus and ovarian tissue is preserved. Meanwhile, a definitive classification involves a hysterectomy, with or without the removal of the ovaries as well. Having a laparoscopy done, endometrial implants can be removed by a laser, but if the disease has progressed to much, a laparotomy may be required. Since a specific cause of endometriosis can not be found and it is poorly understood, at this time endometriosis can not be prevents. Although, long-term use of birth control can help prevent the disease from progressing.
There currently are two controllable risk factors that contribute to the growth of endometriosis. Becoming in better shape by working out or doing aerobic exercises 5 days a week can help slow down the process of endometriosis. Our environment and the air that we breathe exposes use to many toxins that are unhealthy for use. The only way to control this problem is to change the area in which we live. Some people may be able to do this, while others may not. Uncontrollable risk factors also influence endometriosis. Allergies and menstrual factors play a large roll in women having endometriosis. In most women the flow of menstrual blood flows backwards to some extent.
The link between the immune system and endometriosis is actually quite simple. The job of the immune system is to cleanse out retrograde menstruation so that cells do not grow in places they are not supposed to. If the immune system does not remove menstrual fluid out of the pelvic cavity properly or the chemicals that are made by endometriosis, the fluid and/or chemicals may irritate or promote growth into other areas of the body. Studies have found that women who have endometriosis are more likely to have immune system disorders, where the body attacks its own tissues. Researchers have found that further study of the immune system may give clues of causes and treatment for this disease.
The Endometriosis Association (EA) is a non profit self-help organization that offers help and support to those affected by endometriosis. They educate the public and medical community about the disease, and fund and promote research related to endometriosis. The Endometriosis Research Center (ERC) is open and free to all those concerned with Endometriosis, including, medical staff, researchers, women of all ages with endometriosis, or anyone who is interested in the disease. It is their goal to make a positive difference in the lives of millions suffering from this disease.
There is no cure for endometriosis. There are many ways that you can help ease pain such as hormone therapy, taking out tissue with laparoscopic surgery, having a hysterectomy or oophorectomy. There are pros and cons to each one of these methods used to relieve pain.
I learned a lot during the research of this presentation. Check out my references for yourself... it might surprise you what you don't know about this disease!
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