Endometriosis

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Endometriosis

Endometriosis.

Let’s get a few things straight right off the bat – endometriosis is just plain horrible. It’s hard to spell, it’s tricky to say, and it takes a toll on your body, mind, and schedule.

Everyone’s experience is different. I’m somewhere towards the severe end of the spectrum. For example, a few times a month (never just during that special time) randomly without provocation, I get a shooting pain down my left thigh, across my lower back, and to the left of my abdomen. Sometimes the pain is so bad depression takes over and I can’t get out of bed or I will put myself in bed way earlier than appropriate for a mom to do. But what can I do? It’s debilitating.

So what is it? It’s a poorly understood condition that affects an estimated 1 in 10 women (176 million in the world). Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside the uterus which causes pelvic pain. This is called edometrium and causes irritation, adhesion, and scar tissue. It is incredibly painful and leads to infertility.

Studies show that if you remove alcohol, caffeine, gluten, red meat, and saturated and trans fats your pain may decrease. That’s fun (not). I grew up with stomach pain (which I’m thinking was endometriosis all along) and removed gluten and cow’s milk from my diet in my late 20s. I have now learned that gluten and endometriosis can go hand in hand. I have learned to live with the pain, heating pads, tiger balm, essential oils, and strong motrin from my doctor. Sometimes I use certain teas to lessen the pain and keep my body warm. It takes a lot of energy just to maintain.

So what’s the point of this article? Simple: I want people to be kind. Start with hugs. Did you know hugs instantly boost oxytocin levels? If you hug someone for 20 seconds it reduces stress, blood pressure, and your heart rate!

You never know who is suffering on the inside from conditions you may not have heard of. Be kind. If you know someone with endometriosis and want to do something kind for them, bring them a heating pad, uplifting teas, citrus essential oils so you help lift them up and out of their endometriosis daze or downward spiral.

Like anything, you learn to live with it. But also like many things on this blog – I can use all the help I can get and hopefully provide some insight for you to help yourself or help others. 

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