Treating endometriosis

It’s the same game every month: cramps, pain, exhaustion and your body feels like it’s going crazy. You think about endometriosis, want to have it treated and then you hear the sentence you’ve probably heard far too often: ‘That’s normal.’

But you know what? No, it’s not. When period pain is so severe that it paralyses your everyday life, something needs to be done. Millions of women worldwide are affected, but it often takes years before the diagnosis is finally made and someone takes what you’re going through seriously. Yet it is so important to recognise this serious condition early and treat endometriosis to regain more quality of life.

The good news is that there are various ways to relieve endometriosis pain – from medical therapies to targeted self-care. Here you can find out what helps and how to find your own way – because your well-being should not be dictated by your cycle.

What’s causing your pain – treating and understanding endometriosis

To treat endometriosis and alleviate the symptoms, we first look at what is going on in your body. Endometriosis means that tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is growing outside the uterus – on the ovaries, bowel, bladder or, in rare cases, even on other organs. The problem? This tissue behaves like normal endometrium: it builds up during the menstrual cycle, but then cannot drain. The result? Inflammation, adhesions and sometimes unbearable pain.

Typical signs that should alert you:

• Period pains and heavy bleeding that paralyse you – and get worse over time
• Pain during sex or when going to the toilet – not only unpleasant, but also stressful
• Digestive problems similar to irritable bowel syndrome – bloating, diarrhoea or constipation
• Fatigue, tiredness and concentration problems – because your body is constantly battling inflammation

💡 Fact: In order to treat endometriosis, it must be diagnosed. But: The diagnosis takes an average of 7-10 years because endometriosis is often dismissed as ‘normal’ period pain. If your gut feeling tells you that your doctor isn’t taking you seriously or doesn’t know enough about endometriosis, then it’s time for a change. The disease is complex – but ignorance should not be an obstacle to a serious examination. Don’t be put off or seek a second opinion – preferably at an endometriosis centre or from a specialist doctor. And don’t forget: you have the final say in your treatment. Don’t feel comfortable with an approach? Say so! Want to try something new? Go for it!

Our tip: We would like to recommend something to you if the pain is unbearable again: TENS! These small electrical impulses can stimulate the nerves and thus relieve pain. There are now super-practical devices for use at home that you can simply wear under your clothes. Discover it now:The TT 250 menstrual pad with TENS & heat from medisana – a great option for treating menstrual and endometriosis pain and relaxing your muscles. You can set the intensity yourself and the soft electrode pads adapt to your abdomen or lower back and provide relief exactly where you need it. A real everyday helper for women who don’t want to let endometriosis slow them down!

Treating endometriosis medically – from diagnosis to relief

You suspect that your symptoms are more than just ‘normal period pain’ – but how do you get the right diagnosis? The earlier you have a diagnosis, the more effectively you can have your endometriosis treated – and alleviate symptoms in the long term. The first step is a detailed medical history with your gynaecologist, followed by a gynaecological examination and an ultrasound.

However, not all foci of endometriosis are visible on ultrasound. A reliable diagnosis is usually provided by laparoscopy, during which tissue samples are taken and analysed. Specialist centres also use MRI scans or modern ultrasound methods to detect endometriosis at an early stage. Once endometriosis has been diagnosed, treatment begins. The treatment depends on your individual situation – there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Here is a look at the most important medical options for treating endometriosis:

Important: This is only an overview! Talk to your doctor about which treatment is best for you. Every endo is different, and what works for one woman may not necessarily work for another.

Alternative approaches to treating endometriosis symptoms – your feel-good kit for at home

In addition to medical therapies, you can do a lot yourself to treat your endometriosis and alleviate symptoms. Exercise, diet and targeted relaxation are not a cure – but they can reduce your pain, improve your well-being and give you back the feeling of having more control over your body.

Exercise & Sport

• Gentle workouts such as yoga, Pilates or swimming help to relieve tension. Flowing movements with a focus on the centre of the body can have a particularly beneficial effect on cramps, just like a massage cushion.
• Intensive training? Not an option for everyone. If you find that strenuous workouts aggravate your symptoms, allow yourself to switch to gentler alternatives. Your body sets the pace.

Nutrition & gut health

• Anti-inflammatory foods such as green leafy vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids and turmeric can support the immune system and reduce pain.
• Sugar, alcohol and dairy products are suspected of increasing inflammatory processes in the body – but this does not apply to everyone! A food diary can help to identify personal triggers.
• A healthy intestinal flora can increase your well-being enormously. Probiotics and fermented foods such as yoghurt, kimchi or sauerkraut can support your digestion and reduce bloating.

Sleep & relaxation

• Good sleep is a game changer. Your muscles relax and your body regenerates. A dark, quiet place to sleep and a relaxing ritual before going to bed help you to calm down better.
• Aroma diffusers & light therapy can help to reduce stress and increase your general well-being.
• Heat often works wonders for treating endometriosis: whether it’s a heating pad, hot water bottle or an electric blanket – heat can relieve muscle cramps and promote relaxation.

Treating endometriosis – but don’t forget your mental health

Endometriosis not only affects the body, but also mental health. Constant pain, frustration over misdiagnoses or the feeling of not being taken seriously can be extremely stressful. Talking to other sufferers – whether in self-help groups or online forums – can help you to feel understood and less alone. A pain diary can also be useful for recognising patterns and talking to doctors more specifically about your symptoms. After all, treating endometriosis doesn’t just mean relieving the pain, it also means taking good care of your mental strength.