How to Cope with Endometriosis Symptoms

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13-11-2016, 05:00
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Expert Reviewed Endometriosis is a painful disease that affects women. It results from the implantation of endometrial tissue, which is similar to the inner lining of the uterus, on other organs in that area of the body. Due to this similarity in the tissue-type, women suffering from endometriosis often experience pain and discomfort, especially during their periods. Fortunately, there are several things to do to help you cope with the symptoms of endometriosis.

Relieving Physical Pain

  1. Know your tolerance. Unfortunately, endometriosis typically comes with chronic pain. One of your most important coping methods is learning not only to control the pain, but understanding it. Keep track of your physical symptoms and how they make you feel. If you know that you are having a particularly bad day, try to stay home from work or school so that you can treat your pain effectively.
    • Track your pain and symptoms by keeping a journal. With time, you may be able to predict which days of the month will be your most painful. You can try to avoid scheduling important meetings or social events on those days. There are also apps you can download to help you track your pain.
    • Pay attention to how pain affects you. By becoming aware of the impact of your pain on your daily life, you will be able to find more effective ways of dealing with it.
  2. Use pain relievers. Medication can be very helpful when reducing the pain caused by endometriosis. There are several over-the-counter pills that you can take. If your pain is severe, you can also ask your doctor to prescribe a medication that you can take on your worst days.
    • A good over-the-counter alternative is using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDS are usually the first line of treatment for women with endometriosis. Common NSAIDs include Advil, Motrin, and Aleve. Make sure to follow the correct dosage — chronic use can lead to gastritis, ulcers in the stomach, and GI bleeding.
    • Discuss prescription pain medications with your doctor. Be aware that many of these medications come with side effects such as drowsiness and possible nausea.
  3. Try alternative treatments. Some people report that acupuncture has been successful in helping to ease their chronic pain. This technique uses thin needles inserted at specific points in the body. Acupuncture is not an exact science, but can be very helpful when done by a skillful technician. Make sure to read reviews of the business before trying acupuncture.
    • Shiatsu is a Japanese technique that is similar to massage. This therapy can be very helpful in relieving pain. Ask friends and family if they know of a local practitioner.
    • Use heat therapy. Heat therapy is a pain relieving technique that you can try at home. Invest in a heating pad, or make your own. You can fill a cloth bag (or a sock) with rice and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then place on your abdomen or low back to relieve pain.
  4. Ask your doctor about hormone therapy. Your doctor may prescribe hormones to help regulate your period, therefore easing your symptoms. Popular methods of hormone therapy include oral contraceptives. When taken continuously, these pills can reduce or even stop your periods from occurring.
    • Combined estrogen and progesterone hormonal therapy is often used to treat endometriosis. They can be used for the long-term, are relatively inexpensive, and are well tolerated. Benefits from estrogen-progesterone therapy include decreasing the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
    • Combined estrogen-progesterone therapy includes oral contraceptive pills, transdermal patches, and vaginal rings.

Making Lifestyle Changes

  1. Get more sleep. Making sure that you are resting enough is one of the most important things you can do to cope with endometriosis symptoms. If you aren't sleeping enough, your body will be less capable of combating pain. Try to get eight to nine hours of sleep every night.
    • Take naps when you need to. Remember, you are dealing with chronic pain. That can really drain your energy levels. Be kind to your body and rest as needed.
    • If you have trouble sleeping, there are several things you can do. Make sure your room is at a cool, comfortable temperature. Try to avoid electronics for at least 1 hour before you go to bed. You can also ask your doctor about sleep aids.
  2. Exercise regularly. It can be very difficult to find the motivation to exercise when you are dealing with chronic pain. But studies show that moving regularly can really help decrease the severity of your symptoms. Try to get 20–30 minutes of moderate exercise several times a week.
    • Find an activity that you enjoy. For example, if you love to swim, make that part of your regular exercise routine. If you like to be social while you sweat, look for a gym that offers lots of group classes.
    • Recruit a workout buddy. Exercise can be more fun if you do it with a friend. Make a standing date to go for a long walk with a good friend.
    • Try yoga. This method of exercise can help relieve your symptoms by helping you to feel mentally and physically better.
  3. Modify your diet. Studies show that endometriosis symptoms can be more severe in women whose diets are heavy on red meat and low on leafy greens. Although the research is not yet complete, it is clear that eating a more healthy, balanced diet will certainly not make your symptoms worse. It can only help.
    • Aim to get several servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Vitamins A, B, and C can help your overall health, which can help your symptoms. Try to eat leafy greens such as spinach or kale, which are rich in nutrients.
    • Limit your intake of red meat. Instead, try to incorporate fish into your diet. The research indicates that the more fat in your diet, the more estrogen your body produces. More estrogen can increase your endometriosis symptoms. So try to incorporate lean proteins into your meals. Salmon and lean cuts of pork are great options.

Coping With Psychological Effects

  1. Understand endometriosis. Coping with this condition can be very difficult. It is useful to gain a clear understanding of what is going on in your body. This will help you understand how to deal with the symptoms. Endometriosis commonly affects women in their 30s and 40s, and the causes are not yet known.
    • Common symptoms include painful menstrual cramps, consistent pain in the low back, and pain or discomfort during and after sex.
    • Once you have been diagnosed, work with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan. Make sure to candidly discuss your lifestyle and whether or not you plan to become pregnant in the future.
  2. Get a support system. Dealing with a chronic illness is very difficult. Make sure that you surround yourself with friends and family who are kind and supportive. You will likely need someone to talk to during the toughest days, so let your best friend know that she is on speed dial.
    • It can often be helpful to discuss your condition with others who suffer from endometriosis. Look for a local support group. Your doctor should be able to provide you with some suggestions.
  3. Relieve stress. Your body and mind can benefit from frequent breaks. Regulating your stress levels can improve your overall physical and mental health. Everyone has different calming methods that work for them, so try several relaxation techniques to find one that is most effective.
    • Focus on your breath. Deep, calming breaths can be very helpful in lowering your heart rate and helping you to feel calm.
    • You can also take a relaxing bath or listen to some feel good music.
  4. Talking to friends and family. Your illness is private and you should not feel obligated to discuss it if doing so makes you feel uncomfortable. However, endometriosis symptoms may interfere with your daily life, so it is a good idea to let your closest friends and family know what you are dealing with. Remember, you also need their support, so you will want to consider sharing your diagnosis with those you trust.
    • You may want to let your boss know that you have a medical condition that might require you to miss work occasionally. Explain your illness in a professional manner, and ask that she keep the information confidential.
    • Ask your doctor for information that you can share with your friends family. She may be able to provide you with pamphlets.

Tips

  • Consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle that could affect your physical health.
  • Everyone's symptoms are different, so try several different methods of treatment to find one that is right for you.
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