Endometriosis Event Recap: Your Questions, Answered

Managing endometriosis can be challenging and complex, from getting diagnosed to finding effective treatment. At Tia, we’re on a mission to empower women to be collaborators on their health journeys—which is why we recently hosted a virtual panel discussion about the causes of endometriosis, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options with five experts in the field.

We covered lots of ground, and had even more great questions we wanted to answer to help you make informed choices about your health. Of course, when you’re dealing with this condition, partnering with a healthcare provider who hears you is essential. Wherever you are on your journey, Tia’s compassionate, comprehensive healthcare is here for you.

What are ways you can test for endometriosis?

There’s currently no diagnostic test for endometriosis. Instead, a healthcare provider will use your medical history, symptoms, pelvic exam findings, and clinical suspicion to diagnose the condition.

The only way to definitively diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopy. A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure done under general anesthesia that allows a surgeon to visualize endometriosis with a small camera inserted into the abdomen.

During the procedure, a surgeon can also remove endometriosis lesions and scar tissue found in the pelvic cavity, which also makes laparoscopy one of the most effective treatment options.

How can you advocate for yourself when you've been misdiagnosed and know there's something more serious going on?

Though endometriosis affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, it remains a mysterious and misunderstood condition to many in the medical field. Research shows it can take up to seven years for someone with endometriosis to receive a diagnosis, which is why it’s essential to become an advocate for yourself and your healthcare. Here are a few tips to help you be seen and heard on your journey to find relief from endometriosis symptoms:

• Find the right physician: Research endometriosis experts in your area and get recommendations from family members and friends who have firsthand experience with endometriosis and clinical experts who treat it.
• Study up: Educate yourself about the disease and stay up-to-date on the most recent research and treatment options. Be familiar with the landscape, language, and challenges people have faced in their search for answers about endometriosis.
• Get prepared: Keep track of your symptoms (there are apps that can help!) and make sure you have answers to questions your provider will ask: When did your symptoms start? How often do they occur? Where is the pain and what does it feel like? Does anything make it better or worse?
• Have your history ready: Bring recent medical records with you and practice giving your history in a clear, concise way.
• Bring someone with you: Ask a family member or friend whom you trust to come with you to your appointment. Have a list of questions ready and ask this person to take notes so you can concentrate on telling your story and listening to responses.
• Be assertive and inquisitive: Speak up, don’t downplay your pain, and make sure you communicate how your symptoms impact your life, including your work, relationships, and daily activities. If you’re feeling dismissed, consider posing your concerns as questions: My sister got relief from laparoscopy, can we talk about what that looks like for me? I’m nervous about birth control, can we talk about other options?
• Stay focused: Keep your visit focused on endometriosis symptoms, unless your provider asks about unrelated issues. Do your part to make the appointment as efficient and effective as possible. Doctors are busy, but so are you. Mutual respect for each other’s time can go a long way.
• Trust your gut: If the visit feels rushed or something feels off, get a second opinion. Or a third one. Don’t stop seeking support until you and your symptoms are taken seriously.

How can I use diet to combat the symptoms of endometriosis?

Inflammation and high estrogen levels can make endometriosis symptoms worse, and your eating habits can impact both factors. While there isn't a cure-all endometriosis diet we can recommend, there are several diet guidelines one can follow.

Eating more fiber and less fat can reduce estrogen levels and improve symptoms. Also, adding omega-3 fats (from fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and plant oils) and monounsaturated fats (like avocados and olive oil) can help ease inflammation. Certain foods and drinks can make symptoms worse by increasing inflammation and estrogen levels. These include meat, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.

Some people with endometriosis feel better on a gluten-free or dairy-free diet as well. A low-FODMAP diet, designed for people with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), has shown promise in treating endometriosis symptoms too.

Is there any connection, direct or indirect, between endometriosis and PCOS?

Endometriosis and PCOS are separate conditions with different causes. However, recent studies indicate that a significant number of people with PCOS also have endometriosis, and vice-versa. So, yes, women with endometriosis seem to have an increased risk of having PCOS. And clinical experts should be aware of the potential for these conditions to co-exist.

Research is limited but suggests that contributing factors affecting both conditions—like inflammation, high androgen levels, and high insulin levels—might explain the connection.

What are your thoughts on using hormonal birth control to control the growth of endometriosis tissue?

Hormonal birth control, including combined therapy (estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only options, is considered the first-line treatment of choice for endometriosis. Although a recent study found that progestin-only pills may be a better treatment for endometriosis than combined estrogen-progestin therapy, probably because estrogen can worsen symptoms of endometriosis.

These medications reduce hormones that regulate ovulation and periods and thin the lining of the uterus, which can improve endometriosis-related pain and prevent the condition from getting worse. Your provider will be able to discuss benefits, drawbacks, and options with you.

Is it necessary to get an endometriosis diagnosis? Since there’s no cure, should I just treat myself as if I have it?

There’s little harm in using home remedies like heat, over-the-counter pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory foods to treat endometriosis symptoms. However, it’s still recommended to make an appointment with a healthcare provider to undergo an exam and discuss your symptoms before going at it alone. Since endometriosis shares symptoms with several other medical conditions, your provider will be able rule out other conditions and recommend the most effective treatment plan, which may include prescription medication or surgery.

Are there ways to prevent endometriosis?

You can’t prevent endometriosis, but you may be able to reduce your chances of developing it by lowering estrogen levels. Taking hormonal birth control; getting regular exercise; maintaining a low percentage of body fat; limiting consumption of meat, alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks; and eating a diet high in fiber and healthy fats are all strategies that might help achieve this goal.

At Tia, we understand the complexities and challenges associated with managing endometriosis, and the impacts it has on both your physical body and your emotional well-being. That's why we've developed a comprehensive, holistic approach to provide our patients with the support and care they need . Wherever you are on your journey, we're here to provide the support and resources you need to live your fullest life.