QuestionI am 31. I have no children. In 2000 I had a grapefruit-sized cyst removed from my right ovary. Continued w/ cysts until regulated hormones with natural progesterone cream I've now used nearly 6 years. Helped tremendously. Now for the past year, I'm having 15-20 day periods that leave me very weak and anemic. Also, they are so extremely painful they make me dizzy. The last time I discussed endo with a doctor (approx 3 years ago) they said no b/c if I had it they'd have seen it during the laparascopy in 2000. Could endo have developed since then? I've never had SO much pain. I pass such enormous clots one was the size of my fist. I do have two uterine fibroids which I understand contribute to prolonged, heavy, painful periods but I wonder if it could be more. I have so much pain in the colon area during my period I can hardly sit down, when I do, it feels like a knife stabbing me up to my chest from underneath. I know exploratory surgery is the only way to know for sure and it is hard to find the time to do something like that especially without strong concern that it may be the endo. My gyn has not mentioned it he seems to think it's all from the fibroids. Also, for the two weeks during my periods, bowel movements stop almost completely. I become regular again afterwards, but let's face it, that's only half a month each month I'm regular. What could be the connection between my colon and my periods?
Thank you,
AB
AnswerDear Andrea,
For your first question, yes endo could now be present! All your symptoms sound like that. The clots, the pain, the irregularity of periods. I have also had fibroids, so I know that could also be a contributor. But I would most certainly have the lap done, it shows everything. The lack of bowel movements could also mean that endo has entered that area. Fibroids are tricky and can become embedded into your uterus a matter of years and could also be doing this to you. Not sure about your colon, but I do know endo invades numerous parts of a womans body, even the lungs, now. I belong to an Endo Group that has recently discussed the new research they have on endo. By the way, try contacting The Endometriosis Research Center, they have a ton of info (and a website) and can also give you good gynos in your area. I see a high risk/fertility gyno and he is awesome.
Best Of luck to you-let me know how you do! Thanks for writing!
Martha
