What is Endometriosis

Posted by admin on October 8th, 2008


  

What is endometriosis? The endometrium is the specialized lining of the uterus. During the menstrual cycle, hormones trigger this lining to thicken with blood vessels. If an egg is fertilized it will implant in this nourishing "nest." When an egg is not fertilized, the egg and the lining are shed as menses.

 This tissue is triggered to grow by menstrual cycle hormones no matter where it is. Unlike the lining of the uterus, the tissue in these areas is not shed during menses. The continued growth causes lesions, scarring, and lumps also referred to as nodules or implants. What are the effects of endometriosis? The effects of endometriosis are not always straightforward. The location of lesions has much to do with the resulting symptoms. Some women do not experience symptoms at all. Others may believe what they feel is just their personal experience of menstruation.
 Classically, it is manifested as pain, in particular, pain that increases over time as lesions thicken and grow. This pain can occur as:
 * Pelvic pain* Increasingly painful cramping before and during periods * Pain during or after intercourse * Painful orgasms * Pain during bowel movements * Diarrhea and constipation * Painful urination * Bladder pain * Intestinal pain * Vomiting, bloating and nausea * Lower back pain
 Heavy menstrual bleeding and spotting between periods are common symptoms of endometriosis.
 Fatigue plays a part in endometriosis as chronic pain is debilitating.
 Infertility occurs in 30 percent to 40 percent of women with endometriosis and desire for sex is often compromised by pain and other symptoms.
 What causes endometriosis? The basis of the disease is a matter of ongoing research.
 The retrograde menstruation or transtubal migration theory is based on the idea that menstrual flow backs up through the fallopian tubes and washes into the pelvic cavity carrying endometrial seed cells that grow.
 Researchers believe that because this backflow does not create endometriosis in all menstruating women, a faulty immune or hormonal system must play a part in the development of the disease.
 This theory does not account for the fact that endometriosis has developed in non-menstruating women and even estrogen-treated men.
 The genetic theory has found links based upon heredity. First degree relatives of endometriosis sufferers are likely to develop the disease.
 Another theory is that endometrial tissue travels through the blood or lymphatic systems.
 The study of embryonic cells has led to a theory that remnants of embryonic tissue remain in the adult body and retain the ability to transform into specialized tissue types and develop.
 Recent research by Dr. Sherry Rier has studied the effect of dioxin on endometriosis. Dioxins are chemicals that can act as hormones in our bodies. Dioxins are created by the manufacture of pesticides, solvents, and plastics. They are found in bleached products and womens sanitary products.

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What Are The Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Posted by admin on October 3rd, 2008

Here is an interesting article about the early symptoms of ovarian cancer. Please read it and comment on it.

In the US, ovarian cancer is the fourth major cause of death from cancer for women and affects 1 in 57 women. This can be successfully treated if it is diagnosed early. However, only about 24% of ovarian cancer cases are detected early on, resulting in lower survival rates. Hence, it is highly essential for women to watch for early symptoms of ovarian cancer. During  the summer of 2007, the American Cancer Society and other similar organizations published findings that symptoms such as unexpected bloating, gas, or a feeling of fullness; fatigue, menstrual abnormalities, abdominal or pelvic pain, sudden urge and/or frequent urination and sudden changes in food habits such as difficulty in consuming food or feeling full too quickly may be early symptoms of ovarian cancer. Women who are at risk for ovarian cancer should monitor and report suspected early symptoms of ovarian cancer to their doctor in order to have it diagnosed early. Right now, early ovarian cancer cannot be definitively detected by any one  screening examination. Certain symptoms like menstrual irregularities or pelvic pain is not always indicative of ovarian cancer, but awareness of any early symptoms of ovarian cancer is helpful in saving lives. Any early symptoms of ovarian cancer should be followed up with a visit with your doctor, who may then also recommend a bimanual pelvic examination, transvaginal ultrasound, and Ca125 blood test.  Some risk factors for ovarian cancer include having the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations, not having used birth control pills, never having been pregnant, or being diagnosed with breast cancer before 50 years of age. The risk of developing ovarian cancer varies among women. Some risk factors for women include being an Ashkenazi Jew, being age 50 or older, having at least two relatives with a history of ovarian cancer, and a history of exposure to multiple fertility drugs. Women who fall within these categories should be cognizant of what constitutes early symptoms of ovarian cancer. Women who experience what seem like early symptoms of ovarian cancer may not necessarily have ovarian cancer. Many of these symptoms can instead be related to other conditions, such as ovarian cysts, or irritable bowel syndrome.  For this reason, women should seek medical attention, especially if these symptoms last for more than a couple of weeks. Recognizing the early symptoms of ovarian cancer helps women to stop the progression of this deadly disease. Both women and their doctors should be aware of the risks of ovarian cancer. More than 6% of all cancer deaths in women are attributed to ovarian cancer.More...

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