Sallyanne Brady
Founder, The Irish Menopause
Have you ever heard of endometriosis? Perhaps you experience it or know someone who does. Around 10% of women worldwide have endometriosis; that’s 176 million individuals.
Endometriosis can start from the first menstrual period and last until menopause, with some still experiencing issues post-menopause. With endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This leads to inflammation and scar tissue forming in the pelvic region and, sometimes, elsewhere in the body.
Endometriosis and oestrogen imbalance
Endometriosis is oestrogen-dependent; while oestrogen is important, like anything, too much isn’t a good thing. Our hormones work together like a finely tuned orchestra, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. In addition to a list of things oestrogen does, it plays a very important role in the lining of our uterus.
Oestrogen builds up in the first half of our cycle (follicular phase) and then we ovulate. Ovulation is a very important part of this orchestra, and upon ovulation, we make an important hormone called progesterone.
Higher levels of oestrogen and lower levels of progesterone
Progesterone helps maintain a thin uterine lining, and when its levels drop before a period, the shedding process begins: our menstrual cycle. In an ideal world, every woman would experience a textbook period. Unfortunately, for those with endometriosis, hormonal imbalances come into play. Higher levels of oestrogen and lower levels of progesterone can contribute to more painful and irregular cycles, making menstruation far from straightforward.
For those with endometriosis,
hormonal imbalances come into play.
When does endometriosis occur?
Hormonal changes can begin as early as our 30s, and one of the first hormones to decline is progesterone. As progesterone levels drop, oestrogen remains unchecked, often leading to an imbalance that can contribute to various symptoms. For some, endometriosis is diagnosed for the first time during perimenopause while others have been managing its effects since adolescence. If you’re experiencing symptoms, speak with your doctor — there are solutions available to help you manage your health effectively.
Lifestyle changes to help manage endometriosis
In addition to medical interventions, there are management steps women can take. A low-inflammatory diet can be very helpful. The last thing women need is more inflammation in an already inflamed system. Reduce or abstain from alcohol and look out for sugars, including hidden sugars. Although physical activity may not be welcome when you have endometriosis, it can help as well. A change in diet and lifestyle, alongside medical intervention, can work wonders for some people with this condition.
