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My Endometriosis Treatment Path
3
Endometriosis is painful and can drastically impact your quality of life–but effective treatment can help. These patients and doctors share what’s worked in their experience.
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Amanda:Endometriosis feels like barbed wire.
Jennifer:Stabbing pains.
Fransheska:Death because it feels like you're dying from the inside.
Tresnae:I think someone already said, hell, huh? Is that a negative word to use? Endometriosis is hell because it feels like your insides are being turned upside down.
Jennifer:I have kind of just had really painful menstruation since the very beginning of it. For the first few years, it wasn't terrible. It was just something I would deal with. I would take ibuprofen., and basically, all of my pain that I was having around my cycle would not go away, but it would reduce.
Amanda:If I stand up too quickly, I literally feel like I am just like, I hate to say it, but just like gushing.
Jennifer:I got to a point where like 800 milligrams of ibuprofen was not working.
Fransheska:I always felt like I wasn't normal. I was always in a hospital.
Tresnae:For a while, my mom was like, "Hey, this is normal. This is part of being a female." And so we pretty much ignored it.
Amanda:I was like, no, this is legitimate. I can't get out of bed some days.
Tresnae:I eventually had imaging done and it was found that I had a tumor. That tumor was in the form of a dermoid cyst. When they removed that cyst, that's when they discovered that I had endometriosis. I have to say, though it was the scariest time in my life, it was also the most relief I think I've ever felt in my life, because it validated the pain that I was feeling. It validated that my periods weren't just really bad. There was something, in fact, wrong with me.
Fransheska:I went through this whole phase of stretching, and meditation, and yoga, and therapy, massage therapy.
Jennifer:There's not a perfect treatment, but it's treatable, which is incredible.
Todd Jenkins, MD:This is what makes endometriosis challenging for each woman. What works for one woman may not work for the next woman. It is really individualized in trying to find the right regimen for each woman. First things we recommend for women are two very simple things. Number one is regular exercise. The second thing we recommend is anti-inflammatory medicines.
Anila Ricks-Cord, MD:There are some alternative medicine therapies that are thought to work. Ideally heat, acupressure, and acupuncture may work for some people as well.
Todd Jenkins, MD:Most of our treatments are hormonally-based. First-line for most women is going to be an oral contraceptive pill. If we don't achieve success with oral contraceptive pills, many of us will move to some type of continuous progesterone treatment. We have it in a pill, we have it in a shot, we have it in an implant, and we have it in an intrauterine device.
Anila Ricks-Cord, MD:Endometriosis in and of itself can be a tricky disease to manage, but there is hope.
Todd Jenkins, MD:In the large majority of women, we will eventually find a regimen that works for you.
Jennifer:The treatment that I've found most helpful has been hormone therapy.
Fransheska:Birth control.
Amanda:A few months ago, I got an IUD and my life has changed forever.
Tresnae:I have an IUD as well.
Amanda:Yeah, that's the first time in my life I can say, "I feel like I'm living again."
Tresnae:Finding treatment and finding doctors and all of the things that comes with it, you just need to accept that it's a part of your life and it's a part of you. It doesn't define you.
Jennifer:I think it's just really important to remember, this is not the end of the world when you get diagnosed with endometriosis. There are so many options.
Amanda:You don't realize how strong you are until you have to go through it.
Tresnae:Tap into that strength. It's inside of you.
Fransheska:Don't ever give up because at the end of the day, you have yourself and you're able to survive because you're a survivor. We're all endo warriors, so don't give up.
2022 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
Endometriosis Video Center
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My Endometriosis Treatment Path
3
Endometriosis is painful and can drastically impact your quality of life–but effective treatment can help. These patients and doctors share what’s worked in their experience.
Transcript
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Amanda:Endometriosis feels like barbed wire.
Jennifer:Stabbing pains.
Fransheska:Death because it feels like you're dying from the inside.
Tresnae:I think someone already said, hell, huh? Is that a negative word to use? Endometriosis is hell because it feels like your insides are being turned upside down.
Jennifer:I have kind of just had really painful menstruation since the very beginning of it. For the first few years, it wasn't terrible. It was just something I would deal with. I would take ibuprofen., and basically, all of my pain that I was having around my cycle would not go away, but it would reduce.
Amanda:If I stand up too quickly, I literally feel like I am just like, I hate to say it, but just like gushing.
Jennifer:I got to a point where like 800 milligrams of ibuprofen was not working.
Fransheska:I always felt like I wasn't normal. I was always in a hospital.
Tresnae:For a while, my mom was like, "Hey, this is normal. This is part of being a female." And so we pretty much ignored it.
Amanda:I was like, no, this is legitimate. I can't get out of bed some days.
Tresnae:I eventually had imaging done and it was found that I had a tumor. That tumor was in the form of a dermoid cyst. When they removed that cyst, that's when they discovered that I had endometriosis. I have to say, though it was the scariest time in my life, it was also the most relief I think I've ever felt in my life, because it validated the pain that I was feeling. It validated that my periods weren't just really bad. There was something, in fact, wrong with me.
Fransheska:I went through this whole phase of stretching, and meditation, and yoga, and therapy, massage therapy.
Jennifer:There's not a perfect treatment, but it's treatable, which is incredible.
Todd Jenkins, MD:This is what makes endometriosis challenging for each woman. What works for one woman may not work for the next woman. It is really individualized in trying to find the right regimen for each woman. First things we recommend for women are two very simple things. Number one is regular exercise. The second thing we recommend is anti-inflammatory medicines.
Anila Ricks-Cord, MD:There are some alternative medicine therapies that are thought to work. Ideally heat, acupressure, and acupuncture may work for some people as well.
Todd Jenkins, MD:Most of our treatments are hormonally-based. First-line for most women is going to be an oral contraceptive pill. If we don't achieve success with oral contraceptive pills, many of us will move to some type of continuous progesterone treatment. We have it in a pill, we have it in a shot, we have it in an implant, and we have it in an intrauterine device.
Anila Ricks-Cord, MD:Endometriosis in and of itself can be a tricky disease to manage, but there is hope.
Todd Jenkins, MD:In the large majority of women, we will eventually find a regimen that works for you.
Jennifer:The treatment that I've found most helpful has been hormone therapy.
Fransheska:Birth control.
Amanda:A few months ago, I got an IUD and my life has changed forever.
Tresnae:I have an IUD as well.
Amanda:Yeah, that's the first time in my life I can say, "I feel like I'm living again."
Tresnae:Finding treatment and finding doctors and all of the things that comes with it, you just need to accept that it's a part of your life and it's a part of you. It doesn't define you.
Jennifer:I think it's just really important to remember, this is not the end of the world when you get diagnosed with endometriosis. There are so many options.
Amanda:You don't realize how strong you are until you have to go through it.
Tresnae:Tap into that strength. It's inside of you.
Fransheska:Don't ever give up because at the end of the day, you have yourself and you're able to survive because you're a survivor. We're all endo warriors, so don't give up.
2022 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
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Endometriosis 101
2
Endometriosis can change your life, but it doesn’t mean your life is over. With the right doctor, you can find the treatment that works best for you.
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Alex Hayes:Can you define for me what actually is endometriosis?
Todd Jenkins, MD:Very simply, endometriosis is a condition where tissue that looks like the lining of your uterus is somewhere it's not supposed to be. That lining of the uterus goes by the name endometrium. So this is outside the uterus so we give it the name endometriosis.
Anila Ricks-Cord, MD:Some of the tissue that's supposed to be inside the lining of the uterus decides, "Mm, that's nice. I'm not going to do what these other people are doing." And so it actually ends up inside your pelvis. That tissue isn't necessarily just limited to your pelvis. It can travel and invade your bladder. It can invade your bowel. It can invade your diaphragm.
Alex Hayes:Why is that a problem?
Todd Jenkins, MD:As many women know, whenever they're on their cycle, many women get cramping pain, they get bleeding. Well, imagine that occurring at other sites in your body. That causes inflammation. It causes some scarring.
Anila Ricks-Cord, MD:Chicks who have endometriosis have pelvic pain in a whole other way. Some people have pain that only comes when their cycle comes, when that lining dies, and you get these inflammatory changes and some ladies have pain the entire month.
Anila Ricks-Cord, MD:Can you walk me through the symptoms?
Todd Jenkins, MD:We referred to them in medical terms as the three Ds: Dysmenorrhea, which means painful cycles, dyschezia, which many women don't know that it's painful bowel movements, especially when they're on their cycle. And then probably the most distressing to some women is dyspareunia, or pain with intercourse.
Alex Hayes:And once you do come to endometriosis, what are the treatment options?
Anila Ricks-Cord, MD:You want to do whatever you can do in order to be able to decrease your levels of inflammation. So the first go-to are NSAIDs, ibuprofen, exercise plays a role in your perception of pain with endometriosis. And there are supplements that you can take in order to be able to decrease the inflammation that exists inside your personal space.
Todd Jenkins, MD:From a medical perspective, anything that that stabilizes your rate of estrogen works. Estrogen feeds endometriosis. So anything we can do to control that is going to help that. Many women will use an oral contraceptive pill. There are second-line medical treatments. There's a hormone that comes from the brain called gonadotropin-releasing hormone. The other medications we use block the action of that hormone. So it stops feeding the endometriosis, which is our goal.
Anila Ricks-Cord, MD:You approach the patient in a stepwise fashion, looking at what their symptoms are and how they present. And then you work your way through trying to find something that brings them improved quality of life. It's a diagnosis and it's a disease, but it's not the end of the world.
Todd Jenkins, MD:I would say the large majority of women we can get to where they can live their life in health and happiness, and only have endometriosis be something that they have to take care of with a medicine or with some treatment.
2022 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
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How to Talk to Your Doctor About Endometriosis
2
Talking about your endometriosis symptoms can be challenging, but it’s important your doctor has a full understanding of what you’re going through. Learn from the experiences of patients and experts.
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Todd Jenkins, MD:I think the biggest thing is that you feel comfortable, you feel heard. And even if I can't help you, hopefully I can at least listen.
Amanda:So often, women with endometriosis are told, "It's not real. It's in your head. You're attention-seeking." And at the end of the day, the pain is real, it is legitimate. And we just need to find a team who actually wants to care for us.
Tresnae:Going to the doctor can be intimidating. Sometimes, you go into the office, you sit there, and you can forget what you wanted to talk about or forget what you mentioned. So, I think in your experience, it's really important to journal so that when you do go to the doctor, you have that journal, and you can truly say, "Hey, for the last two weeks, this is when I'm in pain. This is what I've been eating." The more documentation you can share with your doctor, the more they can advise you and guide you onto the right treatment plan.
Amanda:I always made sure I had someone with me at my appointments because sometimes, like when the doctor is giving me the message, I'm kind of like, my eyes glaze over, it's just because I was scared. Me having another person who isn't me, and can hear it, and then share with me later made all the difference, too.
Jennifer:I never had the option for that. So, it was always me by myself, going to my doctor, advocating for myself. So, I would take in as much as I could, but also ask for the notes that he got during the-that he took during the meeting, and then I would call my mom pretty much immediately after and tell her exactly what I was going through.
Fransheska:Definitely, please don't take no for an answer. Go for your second referral, your third or fourth referral. You're going to have to keep doing your research. You're going to-
Jennifer:Yeah, you have to advocate for yourself.
Tresnae:Yeah, you're your biggest advocate.
Amanda:Absolutely.
Todd Jenkins, MD:Definitely be as open and honest as you can.
Anila Ricks-Cord, MD:Give me some idea about the pain. So, is it stabbing? Some people have achy pain. Does the pain go anywhere?
Todd Jenkins, MD:The more detail you can provide, the better. Make sure that both you and they are ready to devote the amount of time it takes to understand truly how your symptoms are affecting you individually, and how they're preventing you from being the woman you want to be.
Anila Ricks-Cord, MD:Your relationship with your physician, as a general rule, should be one that's built on trust.
Todd Jenkins, MD:I hope you're seeing someone who has established that their office is a safe space. I'm honored every day by the level of openness that our patients give us.
Anila Ricks-Cord, MD:If we take the stigma away from this, there's no shame in this. The sooner you can find a physician that you have an open relationship with, and they see you and hear who you are as a person, the more likely that you are to be able to improve quality of life in some way, shape, or form.
2022 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
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Endo and Me: Endometriosis Tips from Women Who Know
1
Endometriosis can disrupt your life, but these women have found strength learning from their experiences and leaning on others for support.
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Tresnae: I like to say that having endometriosis has made me live with urgency. I don't want to sit and wait when I'm not in pain. I'm going to do something.
Tresnae: Believe us.
Jennifer: For sure. Yes.
Tresnae: Because endometriosis is hidden. It's not something that we could outwardly show you. Finding those right people that really do trust you and believe that you are in pain, I think, is important.
Jennifer: I am more understanding of what's happening so I have learned little tips and tricks, like consuming more water.
Fransheska: Definitely acupuncture, and for me, has been massage therapy.
Amanda: I changed my food. I even started food journaling.
Tresnae: I would stay away from red meat, stay away from dairy.
Amanda: Around my period, I would just eat a ton of watermelon because it's a diuretic.
Tresnae: I really did see that correlation with the foods that I ate. I would literally have a hamburger and then it would feel like I was having contractions. And I would just start bleeding. I was like, "What... "
Amanda: Red meat is the devil.
Fransheska: Keeping your body moving with stretching.
Jennifer: Stretching is so important and I feel like it gets overlooked all the time.
Amanda: It really is, especially some good hip yoga poses.
Tresnae: Yeah. My doctor recently had me start doing physical therapy. My pelvic floor is very weak and so I'd get a lot of spasms. He does pelvic floor exercises with me.
Fransheska: Pelvic floor therapy actually helps reduce the, I guess, seizures that you have in your pelvic area.
Amanda: Yeah, that's one way of putting it.
Tresnae: The good thing is, is that you can continue to go on and you continue to live your life, even if I have to plan my vacation around my menstrual cycle.
Fransheska: But we have to prepare for it. It's like, okay, I got my heating pad and I got my--.
Tresnae: Oh my gosh, my heating pad is my best friend.
Jennifer: Same.
Tresnae: I can't go anywhere without my heating pad.
Fransheska: Epsom salt baths.
Amanda: Yes!
Fransheska: Anybody tried Epsom salt baths? I don't know what it is, something about heat does help relax the muscles.
Jennifer: Well, I think it just gets the blood moving through and so it's not as inflammatory.
Amanda: A great tip I have for a partner or spouse, friend, family member to someone with endometriosis is being gentle. Being gentle with them emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Because you haven't lived this experience, you don't know what they're going through.
Jennifer: And I think it can be embarrassing to talk about sometimes, but also, it's also good to prioritize yourself and to go through it with someone else.
Amanda: Being able to lean on my family and my friends and my husband for support when it's needed makes all the difference.
Tresnae: Yeah, and even if you can't find it in your family and friends... Support groups online, social media.
Jennifer: There's a whole world of women out there who are going through the same thing and you can lean on them as well.
Fransheska: I know that as bad as it is, there's going to be good days and bad days.
Tresnae: Find joy in the moments when you're not in pain. Go out with your friends, go for that run, travel, see the world. Don't let it stop you. Let it push you forward.
2022 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
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All About Telehealth for Endometriosis
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Learn what you need to know about treating endometriosis over telehealth.
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All About Telehealth for Endometriosis
Telehealth allows doctors to care for people virtually over a phone call, text message, or most commonly, video chat.
Although some situations require an in-person visit, telehealth is a great option when you can't get to the doctor's office for your endometriosis.
If you're new to telehealth, here's what you need to know.
Medicare will cover telehealth visits just like in-person visits, but state Medicaid programs and private insurers vary, so confirm your coverage in advance.
With telehealth, your private health information is still protected by HIPAA, so it will remain confidential and secure.
Although your Ob/Gyn can't give you a physical exam via telehealth, they can write prescriptions and offer quality care, especially if you prepare in advance.
Here are some things your doctor may ask you to do before your telehealth appointment:
- List any endometriosis symptoms, like painful periods or heavy bleeding
- Note where you are in your menstrual cycle
- Compile a list of your other health conditions and medications
- Record your vital signs if you own a blood pressure monitor, heart rate monitor, or thermometer
Before your telehealth appointment:
- Charge your computer, phone, or tablet
- Make sure your internet is reliable
- List any questions you have for your doctor
- Find a quiet, private space to conduct the call
- Be prepared with pen and paper
- Download telehealth apps if needed
Turn to Healthgrades to connect with the right Ob/Gyn to treat endometriosis via telehealth. And share this video to help spread the word!
2022 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
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5 Fast Facts: Endometriosis
4
Endometriosis affects everyone differently, so make sure you understand the basics.
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5 Fast Facts: Endometriosis
1. Endometriosis affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. That's roughly 176 million women worldwide.
2. It's most common in women in their 30s and 40s. However, it can develop as early as a girl's first period, and although it typically resolves with menopause, that's not always the case.
3. With endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus is found outside the uterus. This causes chronic inflammation that can lead to scar tissue.
4. Endometriosis often goes undiagnosed because women and doctors alike don't recognize the symptoms. Severe pain during your period, ovulation, and sex-as well as heavy bleeding, fatigue, brain fog, and infertility-are common symptoms.
5. Treatment for endometriosis is different for each patient. Depending on your age, symptoms, and other factors, your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy, pain relievers, pelvic floor physical therapy, or surgery.
Turn to Healthgrades to connect with the right Ob/Gyn to treat endometriosis. And share this video to help spread the word!
2022 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced
or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use
of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement.
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5 Fast Facts on Lean Protein
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Lean proteins are crucial for any healthy diet—and fortunately, they're also delicious! Learn what you need to know about adding this food group to your diet.
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We all know proteins are essential to good health. Problem is, not all proteins are created equal. Often, they're full of fat. Fortunately, lean proteins can make your taste buds, and your heart, just as happy. 1. Protein plays a crucial role for almost every part of your body. It helps build bone, muscle, skin, and blood. Protein also helps your body repair tissue, fight infection, and regulate your hormones and lean protein provides all these benefits without the extra fat. 2. Meat isn't the only source of lean protein. There are plenty of plant-based sources, including nuts, beans, legumes, soy products, and whole grains. 3. Lean meats have less fat and cholesterol than other meats. For the carnivores, skinless poultry, grass-fed beef, and fish, like salmon and tuna, are healthier options than their higher fat counterparts. 4. Eating plenty of beans, low fat meat, nuts, and soy can help you lose weight. Lean protein makes you feel fuller for longer, so you're less likely to snack. 5. Experts recommend that about a third of your daily calories should come from lower fat proteins. There are endless ways to make delicious meals with lean proteins. Try skinless chicken kebabs, turkey and quinoa meatloaf, spicy baked tofu, and more.
Medical Reviewers:William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Review Date: 06-11-2019
Review Date: 06-11-2019
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5 Things to Know About Detoxes and Cleanses
33
Detoxes and cleanses may seem like the answer, but make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. Often, following a balanced, healthy diet can improve your health more than a drastic move like a cleanse.
Medical Reviewers:William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Review Date: 05-23-2019
Review Date: 05-23-2019
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5 Top Tips for Better Sleep
37
Sleep is one of the most important factors contributing to our health and wellbeing, but many people struggle to get a full night of restful shut-eye. Follow these tips and you'll be on your way to deep, restorative sleep.
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Sleep:- We can't live without it, yet most of us don't get nearly enough of it. If you struggle to get a good night's sleep, try these sleep hygiene tips to wake up refreshed and ready to go. 1) Make your bedroom a restful environment. Set the thermostat between 60 and 67 degrees. Close curtains and windows and turn off all lamps. If your partner snores or goes to bed after you, consider using an eye shade and earplugs so you're not disturbed. 2) Stick to the same sleep schedule. Regulate your body's inner clock by going to sleep at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning, even on weekends. 3) Zen out with your nighttime routine. Set aside at least 30 minutes to wind down, turn off screens, and focus on relaxing. This sends signals to your body that it's time to end the day and enter restful sleep. If your brain just won't turn off, listen to a guided meditation, calming music, or peaceful sounds. 4) Get your sweat on. As little as 10 minutes of aerobic exercise can improve sleep quality and make it easier to fall asleep. Just walking briskly or riding a bike can have an impact on your sleep and energy level. 5) Make sure it's not a bigger issue. If you've tried these tricks and still aren't sleeping well, talk to your doctor to determine if you need a sleep study.
Medical Reviewers:William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Review Date: 06-11-2019
Review Date: 06-11-2019
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5 Great Snacks for Counting Carbs
83
Cutting carbs can seem overwhelming, but when you've got these five easy snacks up your sleeve, it'll be a breeze.
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Counting carbohydrates is one key way to stay healthy with diabetes. Munch on these five diabetes-friendly snacks. They may be light in carbs, but they're full of flavor. 1. Almonds. Almonds are chock-full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. One ounce contains six grams of carbohydrates, but since they're high in calories, limit portion size to a handful. 2. Avocados. With just over four grams of carbs per quarter slice, avocados help prevent blood sugar levels from spiking and keep you feeling fuller longer. Eat one on its own or mash into guacamole and dip with sliced raw veggies. 3. Mini caprese kabobs. Mozzarella cheese has zero carbs, high protein, and moderate fat content. Skewer small mozzarella balls with cherry tomatoes. This healthy dish clocks in at just one total carb, so eat up. 4. Celery with peanut butter. Celery has just 1.2 grams of carbohydrates, and, coupled with peanut butter, can be a delicious and filling snack for people watching their carbs. The fiber and fat content keeps blood sugar levels steady, and the celery gives you a satisfying crunch. 5. Hard boiled eggs. One large hard boiled egg has six grams of protein and zero carbs, which helps maintain blood sugar levels. Enjoy a plain hard boiled egg or two for a snack, or garnish with a dollop of salsa.
Medical Reviewers:William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Review Date: 06-11-2019
Review Date: 06-11-2019