3 tips to reduce the effects of endometriosis

According to the Ministry of Health, one in ten women in Brazil suffers from the symptoms of endometriosis – an inflammatory change in the normal functioning of the body, caused by cells in the endometrium, the inner layer of the uterus.

Chronic pain is one of the most common signs and can vary in intensity, depending on each person, significantly affecting a woman’s ability to work, study or carry out daily activities. Additionally, the disease can lead to fatigue, sleep disturbances, and emotional problems such as anxiety and depression.

Although there is no cure, there are treatments available to alleviate symptoms and improve the well-being of women with endometriosis. Gynecologist Dr. Thiers Soares, specialist in endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids, lists some essential factors that can improve the quality of life of those suffering from the disease. Check out!

1. Seek medical treatment

The first and most important strategy is to seek medical help to receive a diagnosis appropriate and specific treatment, which includes pain-relieving medications, hormone therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of symptoms.

Practicing regular physical exercise helps improve the physical and emotional health of women with endometriosis (Image: Prostock-studio | Shutterstock)

2. Adopt healthy habits

Maintain healthy habits, such as having a balanced diet, practicing physical exercises Regular sleep and good sleep helps improve the physical and emotional health of women with endometriosis. Furthermore, reducing alcohol and cigarette consumption also helps to alleviate symptoms.

3. Seek emotional support

Endometriosis can be a debilitating condition that affects a woman’s daily life. Seeking emotional support from family, friends and mental health professionals is essential to dealing with the condition.

Common treatments for endometriosis

Regarding appropriate treatment, it will depend on the severity of the symptoms, the patient’s age, pregnancy plans and the location and extent of endometrial tissues. The types of treatments for endometriosis include:

1. Medicines

Painkillers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and birth control pills are often used to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with endometriosis.

2. Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy can help reduce the production of estrogen, which is responsible for stimulating the growth of endometrial tissue. This can be done through the use of birth control pills, progesterone injections, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release hormones.

3. Surgery

The objective of surgery is to remove as many endometriosis lesions as possible and restore normal function to the affected organs. Among the most recommended are minimally invasive – robotics and laparoscopy. Hysterectomy should only be done in severe cases of endometriosis and as a last option, as it involves removing the uterus and, sometimes, the ovaries.

With an early diagnosis, medical monitoring and appropriate treatment, it is possible to manage pain and have a healthy and happy life.

By Beatriz Fernandes

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