Teenagers and Endometriosis

This section is designed to help teenagers understand the disease.

Do you find your period affects your life?
Do you avoid joining in some activities, or going out with your friends?

Is this because your periods give you tummy pain, or your periods are heavy, or you feel very unwell, or have trouble going to the toilet?

These problems are not normal .

You may have endometriosis, pronounced: 'end-o-meet-ree-o-sis'.

What is endometriosis?

The endometrium is the tissue that lines the uterus (womb). This thickens each month and is shed as a period, if no pregnancy has occurred.

In endometriosis, tissue that is similar to the uterus lining grows outside the uterus, most commonly in the pelvis. This endometrial tissue responds in the same way with each period, but it has no escape route, and so causes pain.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

• pain before, during and after periods
• pain at ovulation time (about 14 days before each period)
• heavy and/or irregular periods
• loss of large clots
• loss of brown discharge before and/or after periods
• loss of stale brown blood before and/or after periods
• bowel problems (difficulty going to the toilet – diarrhoea and/or constipation)
• bladder problems (difficulty passing water)
• pre-menstrual tension and mood swings
• low energy levels, lethargy (feeling lazy), insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• pain at other times
• swollen tummy
• feeling cold (low body temperature)
• painful sex

Not everyone suffers all the symptoms listed. Some girls have no pain at all. This is why endometriosis is described as a puzzling and baffling disease.

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

A doctor may suspect endometriosis from your symptoms, but the only reliable way is by a small operation called a 'laparoscopy'. This is carried out in hospital, under anaesthetic by a Gynaecologist, and sometimes requires an overnight stay. A tiny cut is made near the tummy button and a telescopic tube with a light at one end is used to look in the pelvis and abdomen.

What are the treatments for endometriosis?

Surgery, called laparoscopy, is one option, initially for diagnosis. A leaflet describing this operation is available from Endometriosis SHE Trust (UK); Please see our Leaflets Order Form

There are numerous medical treatments available, which aim to stop periods temporarily by preventing ovulation. These prevent the endometriosis developing any further. Commonly used prescribed treatments include - Danol, Dimetriose, Suprecur, Synarel, Zoladex, Duphaston, Prostap SR, Provera, Primolut-N/Utovlan, the contraceptive pill and the Mirena coil. Your doctor may also prescribe Ponstan, a painkiller that works against inflammation.

The side effects of medical treatments cannot always be tolerated.

Many people find complementary therapies are helpful, some are homeopathy, herbalism, acupuncture and nutrition.

What does endometriosis look like?

It has been described as looking like the bubbles in a popular chocolate bar!

Is endometriosis serious?

Endometriosis won't kill you. However, it can make life miserable. You can feel confused and isolated. Remember that it is not your fault. You can't catch it and boys don't get it. Endometriosis can lead to problems in later life such as painful sex and sometimes difficulty getting pregnant (infertility).

What should I do? – Get help – NOW!

• It is embarrassing to talk about something that is very personal to you. You may be shy and find difficulty talking to others, so find out as much as you can from books and information networks. In time you will find it easier to talk to others about how you feel.
• Talk to someone close to you whom you can trust; your Mum, a family friend, an understanding teacher or a nurse (at school or at doctor's practice). Tell them about the pain and what it feels like.
• Make an appointment to see your doctor and take along a friend or relative. If the doctor needs to feel your tummy and examine you, please ask the doctor what is involved and whether you can have someone there to support you.
• Tell the doctor exactly how you feel when you are having your period. It amy help to make notes in your diary so that you can show the doctor the pattern of your period pain and symptoms.

Can I do anything to help myself?

• Gentle exercise can sometimes help with period pain. Walking, dancing, yoga, cycling or swimming may help.
• Applying a hot water bottle and/or cold compresses to the tummy area can sometimes help ease the pains.
• Eat as well as you can, and include lots of fruit and vegetables and some fish and nuts.
• Make sure that you are getting enough rest and keep stress levels low. Tension creates more pain, as muscles aren't relaxed.
• Most of all, don't suffer in silence. You are not alone. Talking to others does help. Remember that we are here to help you as well.
• Details and leaflets about every aspect of endometriosis are available from Endometriosis SHE Trust (UK); Please see our Leaflets Order Form

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