Are you living with Endometriosis or PCOS? Here are some helpful ways to get you through those miserable flare-ups
Being a woman who has lived with Endometriosis and PCOS for over 15 years I have learned a thing or two that helps ease the pain. What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. The tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or intestines. This can lead to extreme pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, pelvis, rectum, or vagina. Currently, there is no cure for Endometriosis. However, certain treatments can help minimize tissue growth such as taking birth control or scheduling a laparoscopy.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome also known as PCOS is a hormone disorder causing enlarged ovaries with cysts that form on the outer edge. Unfortunately, there is also no cure for PCOS. Not only is this disorder painful it also causes irregular periods and produces too much androgen, which results in excess facial and body hair.
Both of these disorders can cause infertility and can make it difficult for a woman to conceive or be prone to having miscarriages or premature birth. Depression and Anxiety are also very common with Endometriosis and PCOS. Having these symptoms can cause an extreme amount of stress, so if you can control and keep some of the pain at bay this can help reduce that overwhelming feeling you continue to experience each cycle and for some every day.
Medications such as birth control can regulate your hormones which in return lowers your risk for irregular bleeding, excess hair growth, and acne. For some woman birth control can eliminate having a cycle every month. Having a regular cycle will not allow the endometriosis to continue to grow. This may not be ideal for those who are trying to conceive but it’s a great option in between trying to get pregnant.
Creating better habits such as your diet. Staying at a healthy weight can lower insulin and androgen levels. It may also restore ovulation. Healthy fats like Omega 3 have anti-inflammatory properties, which are great for inflammation that comes with endometriosis. You can find Omega 3 in chia seeds, walnuts, oily fish, eggs, meats, dairy products, and vegetables like brussels sprouts and spinach. Making sure you consume some type of fiber in your diet will also help keep you regular, which is another downside of endo! High-fiber foods can be found in cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower, broccoli, peas, and squash. If you don’t enjoy eating vegetables you can also consume this in a supplement form. You can even supplements that are specific for PCOS, which will contain all the good vitamins that will provide you with the support you need.
Keeping a heating pad or water bottle around that’s easily accessible will be a lifesaver! Heat can relax the muscles that contribute to cramping, and help relieve the pain. If you don’t have access to a heating pad you can also take a hot bath. Make sure your lower abdomen is completely submerged so you can put all that tension at ease. You also have an on-the-go option! This wearable electric heating pad allows you to get the relief you need and the freedom of being able to use it whenever.
Living with these disorders isn’t an easy ride. You will continue to experience difficult times and frustration. Following some of these helpful tips can at least give you the option to alleviate the horrible side effects that follow PCOS and Endometriosis.
As always, you should consult your physician to make sure these options will work for you! Don’t be so hard on yourself, roughly 6-12% of US women are going through the same thing as you. Know that you are not alone, join a Facebook or support group that will allow you to share your story and hear about others. You may get a lot of new information that will help you navigate through all this and keep you strong.
