The Sunday News
Tine Mataz
Hi all. Last week I wrote about menstrual health and how to spot symptoms, as well as how to treat them. I also listed some of the conditions that women may have : Endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, cysts/fibroids, adenomyosis, hormonal imbalances, pelvic floor dysfunction, genetics, endometritis (different from endometriosis).
These conditions can cause women so much pain, discomfort and a low quality of life. Many times we have met people, work with people, or have loved ones with some of these conditions but because they “don’t look sick” we don’t actually ask them about their conditions, or even believe that they are in as much as they say they do. In this article I will describe what each condition is because although they do share similar symptoms, they are different in their entirety.
Endometriosis: This is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb appears outside of the womb, like the ovaries, appendix, pelvis and fallopian tubes as well as other organs. Endometriosis can even be found on the brain and lungs.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (pcos) is a condition characterised by hormonal imbalances in women specifically an imbalance in the amount of male hormones. Due to the latter many women may experience issues like facial hair, being overweight, hair loss and more.
Ovarian Cysts/fibroids: Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sac or pocket within the surface of an ovary.
Fibroids which are also called uterine myomas, leiomyomas, or fibromas are hard and firm tumors made of muscle cells and fibrous tissue that develop in the uterus. 20 to 50 percent of women of reproductive age have fibroids. All of these women may not know they have fibroids.
Fibroids are characterised with infertility, heavy bleeding and swelling of the womb or abdomen.
Adenomyosis: Adenomyosis is like the cousin of endometriosis. The two conditions are similar but are different. Adenomyosis is endometriosis of the womb. It happens when the endometrial tissues encroaches into the uterus muscle. Unlike endometriosis which is outside of the uterus, adenomyosis entails the disease being present inside of the womb.
Hormonal imbalances: Hormones are the chemical messengers that affect the way your cells and organs function. When hormonal imbalance occurs you may have too little or too much of a certain hormone. Hormonal imbalance can also occur when the endocrine glands are not working properly.
Pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to control the muscles of your pelvic floor. Your pelvic floor is the group of muscles and ligaments in your pelvic region. The pelvic floor supports your pelvis including the bladder, rectum, uterus and prostrate. Pelvic floor dysfunction forces the contraction of your muscles rather than relax them.
Endometritis (different from endometriosis)
Endometritis sounds a lot like and shares a similar spelling with endometriosis, but is not the same thing. Endometritis is inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium). Symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain and fever. It is usually due to an infection, in some cases after birth, long labour, caesarean section or even abortion.
I know I have given you a whole lot of information today, but I hope after reading this you have learned about what these conditions are. Pain is not normal. Pain is real. Education and awareness are imperative.
You can contact me on +263778026402 or on [email protected] for more information. Remember to spread love and kindness.
