Using Hormones to Treat Endometriosis

Over the past few years, you may have noticed more women and medical professionals talking about endometriosis. Although officially discovered and recognized in the early 1960s, the disorder had been underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed for decades due to a lack of research funding and general recognition in the medical field. Despite having an economic toll similar to diabetes, in the past many women waited years for an official diagnosis while dealing with the debilitating pain and other symptoms.

Thankfully, endometriosis is now getting the attention it deserves. There are more resources for women impacted by the disease, and doctors are ordering the right tests to get a proper diagnosis. If you have been recently diagnosed and are considering your treatment options, hormone therapy might end up being the best way to treat your symptoms.

 Do you think you may have endometriosis, or have you been recently diagnosed? If so, come see the team at the OB/GYN practice of Dr. John Macey. Dr. Macey has more than 27 years of experience as an obstetrician and gynecologist and is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He and the rest of our staff are proud to offer comprehensive treatments for women of all ages.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disorder in which endometrial tissue, which normally lines the inside of the uterus, starts to grow outside of the uterus. The growth typically occurs on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue that lines the pelvis. 

Despite growing outside of the uterus, endometrial tissue still acts like it’s in the uterus. Every menstrual cycle it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. At least 11% of American women, or 6.5 million people, are affected by endometriosis.

Symptoms of endometriosis

During its early stages, endometriosis is fairly asymptomatic. However, as the endometrial tissue continues to grow, many women suffer through more painful and longer-lasting periods with unbearable abdominal pain. Other symptoms include: 

• Painful bowel movements or urination, particularly during periods
• Painful intercourse
• Heavy bleeding during periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Lower back and abdominal pain that can become chronic

In many cases, the stress of repeated menstrual cycles can cause scarring to the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Ovarian cysts may also occur.

Hormone treatment for endometriosis

Women with endometriosis tend to have more symptoms during their periods. So preventing a woman’s period can usually reduce or prevent the symptoms. This can be done by using common birth control methods. Progesterone and progestin based birth controls, which can be found in pills, injections, and some IUDs, can often help.

If you think you may have endometriosis, Dr, Macey will ask about your symptoms and perform any necessary tests to get a diagnosis. If you have the condition, Dr. Macey can discuss the birth control options that may work best for you. If birth control options don’t help you, he can also discuss surgical options, such as a hysterectomy.

You don’t have to suffer through endometriosis alone. Dr. Macey is adept at both diagnosing and treating this disorder. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with the practice of Dr. John Macey today.