Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecologic disorder characterised by the development and presence of endometrial glands and stroma in anatomical positions and organs outside the uterine cavity. In simpler words, it's the presence & growth of the inner lining of uterine cavity elsewhere in the body.

Endometriosis, a word derived from the Greek words,

• endo ‘'inside''

• metra ''uterus''

• osis ‘' disease,''

The understanding of the pathophysiology of endometriosis remains incomplete in many aspects, and there is not a coherent suggested theory to explain all different types of endometriosis, integrating the epigenetic, genetic, immunological, and environmental data.

Possible etiology: 'Sampson's Theory', which suggests retrograde menstruation. It is a chronic estrogen-dependent condition, so poor dietary choices and a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to the exacerbation of this condition.

Symptoms:

• dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse)

• dysmenorrhea (Severe pelvic pain during menstruation)

• dysuria (pain during urination)

• dyschezia(pain during defecation)

• allodynia (a phenomenon when, even with the application of a non-painful stimulus, an intolerable painful reaction is elicited)

• Bloating, indigestion, nausea

• Generalised aches & pains all over the body

• Fatigue

• Depression, anxiety

• Changes in mood, brain fog, difficulty concentrating

There is a high risk of infertility for women suffering from endometriosis as well. Most women are not diagnosed & instead self-medicate themselves with supplement or pain killers without seeking proper treatment. Today, with the current research, gynaecologists recognise this as a systemic disease which can be considered to be an autoimmune response of the body.

Source: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/endometriosis

Treatment

In Siddha Medicine, we aim to understand the onset of the condition, the patient's current symptoms and take a detailed history of the patient's diet and lifestyle as well. This gives the complete picture of how the disorder is manifested in one's body.

Along with the right medication, counselling (if needed), dietary & lifestyle changes, patients can see a drastic change in their symptoms and possibly even enter remission of their debilitating condition.

Seek help early; do not delay your chance to get the condition treated!