Endometrial Hyperplasia

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Endometriosis Part IV -How Oral Contraceptive Pills Effects Vitamins, and Circulatory System In A Woman's Body

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Endometriosis Part III - Types Of Conventional Treatments, Side Effects and Risks

During the last stage of the menstrual cycle normally a layer of endometriosis lining in the inside of the uterus is expelled, known as menstruation blood but instead some of the endometriosis tissues growing somewhere in the body causing endometriosis. Endometriosis also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle by building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. In this article, we will discuss types of conventional treatments, side effects and risks.

A. The Pill
I. Definition
The Pill normally is prescribed by your doctor to reduce the heavy period blood for woman with or with out endometriosis as well as in treating of period pain, or contraceptive purpose ( 21 days on and 7 days off).

II. How it works
In endometriosis, the pill helps to
a) Reduce the period blood flow as resulting in lowering the risk of more developing of endometriosis.
b) Reduce the bleeding by thinning the endometrial lining.
c) Reduce the period pain by inhibiting the hormone prostaglandins hormones that cause the uterine muscles spasm.
d) Shrink the endometriosis and reduce the bleeding of into cysts and pelvic cavity because the Pill creates the pregnant-like state.
e) Suppress the estrogen that is needed to start a menstrual cycle.

III. Symptoms and Risks

1. Blood clots
All hormonal methods of birth control pose a threat to normal blood flow.The oral contraceptive combination pill is no exception, it increases the risk of of blood clots in your legs or on the lung caused by estrogen in the pill that makes your blood thicker in the veins.

2. Stroke
Woman who takes the oral contraceptive combination pill increases the risk of stroke caused by blockage of blood flow to the brain as resulting of high level of estrogen in the pill that reduces the oxygen transportation as the blood getting thicker.

3. Heart disease
Similar to the stroke, as our blood get thicker, our heart has to pump harder to provide oxygen for our body cells need causing hypertension. If our heart has to work that hard for a prolong period of time because of long term use of birth control pill, it will be damaged causing heart disease.

4. Skin pigment
Some woman may experience increasing of pigmentation of skin that shows up in patchy and light brown area caused by estrogen in the pill.

5. Mood swing
Some women may experience mood swing while taking the pill, it is caused by significant changes in your hormone levels affecting the chemicals that regulate mood such as level of estrogen and progesterone in the pill.

6. Infertility
Some women after coming off the birth control pill and hope to get pregnant, they may be disappointed. Not only the effects of birth control pill maybe needed sometime to wire off, our body may never be able to adjust causing lost of period permanently.

8. Increase the size of fibroids
Oral contraceptive combination pill contains estrogen that promote the growth of fibroids. If you have fibroids and you want take the oral contraceptive pill, you should talk to your doctor first.

VI. Side effects
a) Bleeding and spotting
Bleeding and spotting is normal for the first six months for women starting any oral contraceptive combination pill because our body needs time to adjust to the new medication.

b) Lost interest in sex
Women who take the contraceptive pill are in danger of permanently lost their interest in sex because the oral contraceptive pill inhibits testosterone, the hormone that drives sexual desire even aftyer if they stop the pill.

c) Chloasma or melasma
It caused by hormonal changes, as in pregnancy and intake of estrogen in the oral contraceptive pill.

d) Nutritional deficiency
Oral contraceptive pill causes vitamin and mineral imbalances or deficiencies. It depletes magnesium for healthy heart, coenzyme Q10 for healthy heart muscles, folic acid for preventing cervical abnormalities, vitamin B6, B2, B3, zinc, etc.

B. Progesterone agonist

I. Definition
This type of pill contains no estrogen also known as the progesterone-like pill or progestins, it helps to maintain milk production for breastfeeding mother and to thicken the cervical mucus, thereby preventing sperm from entering the uterus. This type of pill must be taken at a certain time every 24 hours for effectively.

II. Types of Progesterone medicines
a) Injecting medicine
Type of progesterone medication injected in the women body every three months, such as Depo Provera. It is good for women who want to have long term contraception, it may work well for some women but study shows that it causes bone loss and sometimes osteoporosis.

b) Implant medicine
The other type of progesterone like medicine such as Implanon is implanted into the fat of a non dominant arm and last about 3 years. It may not cause bone loss as Depo Provera, but it causes male like pattern such as excessive hair growth and deepening the voice.

c) Progesterone-like pills
i) Progesterone like pill in treating excessive menstruation
If a woman does not have progesterone irregularity, her doctor may prescribe this type of medicine for her. It helps to complete shredding of the endometrium and stops the abnormal bleeding. Besides all the good thing of this type of progesterone like pill, it also has it side effects, such as elevating level of cholesterol.
ii) Other types
Other types of progesterone like medicines, such as Provera, Duphaston, they helps to relieve of menstrual cramp with no long term serious side effects by creating the pregnancy-like state but their short term side effects including spotting and bleeding.

IV. Side effects
Most side effects are caused by high levels of progesterone for women taking the progesterone only pill, such as
1) Mood swings
2) Weight gain
3) Reduced libido
4) Fluid retention
5) Acne
6) Breast tenderness

V. Risks
1) Ectopic pregnancy
Women taking the progesterone only pill may increase the risk of pregnancy inside the fallopian tube and not in the uterus.
2) Progesterone only pill may increase the risk of pain in the lower abdomen, shortly after a missed or light period.
3) It also increases the risk of developing small, benign cysts in the ovary.

C. Oral contraceptive pills
I. Definition
The oral contraceptive combination pill is defined as one type of birth control pill containing both estrogen and progesterone that helps to control unwanted pregnancy and reducing symptoms of abdominal pain before, during or after menstrual cycle such as endometriosis, premenstrual symptoms etc.

II. How the pill works
The pill is taken 21 days on, 7 day off. In endometriosis
a) It will help to reduce the bleeding by thinning the endometrial lining and reducing the flow of the period blood that help to decreases the risk of retrograde menstruation in endometriosis.
b) It also helps to inhibit hormone prostaglandins that causes muscle spasm in the ovary reducing the menstrual cramps.
c) Since the pill reduces the bleeding of endometriosis, it lesson the risk of bleeding into cysts and pelvic cavity.
d) Shrinking the endometriosis by creating a continual pregnant-like state.

III. Symptoms and risks
a) Symptoms
i) Bleeding and spotting as our body needs time to adjust to the substance in the pill, Normally, the bleeding and spotting will end in six months.
ii) Acne and weigh gain caused by synthetic progesterone in the pill in some women.
b) Risks
i) Since the oral contraceptive combination pill contains estrogen, it may cause blood clots, stroke and heart disease
ii) Hypertension caused by thickening of blood in arteries.

D. GnRH agonists
I. Definition
GnRH is a hormone released by the hypothalamus which stimulates the pituitary to produce luteinising hormones (LH) and follicle that stimulate hormone (FSH) to drive a menstrual cycle.

II. Effectiveness of GnRH
Just likes progesterone-like agonists, GnRH ( gonadotrophin-releasing hormone) have been used in treating endometriosis for more than 20 years. They come in different forms: three-monthly injection, monthly injection, daily injection and nasal spray because of their chemical make up. GnRH are natural hormone blocking medicines, they help to stop the ovulation and create a temporary menopause state.
Study shows that GnRH are effective in reducing the symptoms and the size of endometrial implants but unfortunately, symptoms tend to return after stopping treatment in 4 months.

III. Side effects
a) Hot flush, dry vagina caused by temporary of menopause state.
b) Loss of libido caused by low level of estrogen and vagina dryness.
c) Loss of bone density caused by low level of estrogen and progesterone.
d) Nutritional deficiency caused by symptoms of menopause state as our body is no longer absorb magnesium and calcium effectively.

IV. Risks
1. Loss of bone density
Loss of bone density is normal for women taking the GnRH drug. Since it causes menopause state, it deplete the calcium in the body that is essential for building a healthy bone. It also distorts the ratio of magnesium and calcium.
2) Reducing sexual desire
Sexual libido may be caused by dry vagina, one of many symptoms of GnRH. It may also be caused by low level of estrogen that is essential for driving sexual desire.
3) Increase the risk of developing of ovarian cysts.

E. Prostaglandins Inhibitors
I. Definition
prostaglandins inhibitors are men made prostaglandins hormones that help to block the production of prostaglandins from our body during menstrual cycle. Since over production of certain types of prostaglandins hormones cause over contraction of uterine muscles resulting in menstrual cramps and blocking them are benefits for women with severe period pain.

II. How Prostaglandins Inhibitors work
a) Inhibiting the natural prostaglandins in the women menstrual cycle will reduce the over active uterine and ovarian muscles that cause the abdominal pain, if endometrial implants and adhesion in the wall of the ovary.
b) The medication can be brought without prescription, such as Aspirin, Ponstan, Nurofen, etc.
c) They also help to reduce the heavy period as uterine muscles now are being controlled by the effects of the medication.
d) They are more effective in treating symptoms of menstrual cycle if taking together with other oral contraceptive pills.
e) They sometime may also correct the prostaglandins imbalance for some women.

III. Risks
a) Most prostaglandins inhibitors only correct the symptoms while they are around. Symptoms of menstrual cycle will re appear when the medication is wire off.
b) Over taking prostaglandins inhibitor will severely damage the liver, causing variety of diseases.
c) The medication may cause gastro-intestine system problem, such as stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, constipation. Taking them with foods can reduce the above side effects.
d) Increase the risk of asthma, lupus and clotting disorders.
e) They may cause pelvic inflammatory diseases.

IV. Side effects
It is advised that prostaglandins inhibitors drugs should be taken with food to prevent any problem with the gastro-intestine system. Since prostaglandins inhibitors are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, they have below side effects if overdose.
1) Nausea
2) Vomiting
3) Stomach pain
4) Micro-bleeding and ulcers
5) Abdominal cramps

Since endometriosis is treatable and manageable by natural remedies and self help, if you have endometroisis, please look at the bright side.
I hope this information will help. If you need more information or insurance advice, please follow my article series of the above subject at my home page at: http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com

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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Endometriosis Part II - How to Treat Endometriosis With Vitamins

Endometriosis which grow somewhere else other than the endometrium also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle by building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. As we know, nutritional supplements play a very important role in treating endometriosis. In this article, we will discuss how vitamins help to treat endometriosis.

A. Vitamin A
I. Definition
Vitamin A is a bi-polar molecule formed by bonds between carbon and hydrogen. It is a fat soluble vitamin. This means it can not be stored in the liver but it can be converted from beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Besides helping in treating endometriosis, it is also known to have strong effects in improving vision and enhancing bone growth.

II. Vitamin A and endometriosis
a) Vitamin A is a very powerful antioxidant that not only helps to strengthen the immune system, but also protects against the growth of endometriosis.

b) Vitamin A helps in regulating the gene expression by fighting against the forming of free radicals and protecting the body organs from abnormal growth of endometrial implants and adhesion.

c) Red blood cell production
Vitamin A working together with iron helps to aid the production of red blood cells and improve the oxygen level in the circulation of blood which is necessary for the body's cells. This results in a stronger immune system as well as protecting the forming of abnormal cells.

d) Working together with Zinc
Zinc deficiency interferes with
a) Vitamin A function of protein synthesis and fatty acid metabolism.
b) Reducing the activity of enzyme that release vitamin A palmitate from the liver causing a weakened immune system fighting against the forming of free radicals, and endometrial implants, and adhesion.

e) Work together with iron
Iron is necessary for production of red blood cells that carry oxygen in the blood stream for the body's cells. Women who have endometriosis with heavy blood loss during menstruation normally have iron deficiency because of loss of iron which is far greater than what the body can produce leading to anemia. Intake of vitamin A and iron will increase the production of red blood cells far better than taking iron supplements alone.
Remember, overloading on zinc or iron is toxic to our body. Please make sure to talk to your doctor for the correct amount.

B. Vitamin B1
I. Definition
Vitamin B1 is one of the members of the vitamin B complex, it is also known as thiamin or thiamine. It's most common form is a colorless chemical compound with the formula C12H17N4OS. It was discovered in 1910 by Umetaro Suzuki in Japan. It is a water soluble vitamin, therefore it can be stored in the body and is required to be taken regularly.

II. How Vitamin B1 benefits women with endometriosis
Women with endometriosis are found to have vitamin B complex deficiency during the menstrual cycle. It is not known if it is caused by unhealthy diet or the inability of digestive absorption.
a) Level of estrogen
Vitamin B1 helps to detoxify the liver which may be caused by intake of of alcohol, smoking and heavy metals. A strong liver is particularly important for secretion of cholesterol in breaking down estrogen that causes menstrual cramps as well as hormone balancing in the body.

b) Immune system
Vitamin B1 is an antioxidant that helps to strengthen the immune system against the forming of free radicals, endometrial implants, and adhesion somewhere else in the body except the endometrium.

c) Red blood cells
Study shows that vitamin B1 helps to normalize the activity of an enzyme called transketolase in red blood cells resulting in increased amounts of the two proteins THTR-1 and RFC-1 which helps to transport thiamine into red blood cells. This increases the production of red blood cells in the bloodstream.

d) Nervous system
It helps to reduce tension of the nervous system as a resulting of converting carbohydrates to energy which is necessary for the proper functions of the nervous system. Thereby it reduces symptoms of endometriosis in some women such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

e) Intestine muscle tone
Vitamin B1 helps to secrete hydrochloric acid in the stomach which is essential for the complete digestion of food particles and decreases the risk of nutrient deficiency causing hormone imbalance in the menstrual cycle.

C. Vitamin B2
I. Definition
Vitamin B2 is water soluble, also known as riboflavin. It has a chemical compound formula of C17H20N4O6. Like many other vitamin B complexes, it plays an important role in providing energy to our body by the metabolism of fat, carbohydrates and protein.

II. How vitamin B2 helps to treat endometriosis
1. Red blood cell formation
Vitamin B2 includes the active co-enzyme forms of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) that helps to transport vitamin b2 into the red blood cell as well as maintaining the red blood cell formation.

2. Strengthens the immune system
Vitamin B2 is an antioxidant that helps to rejuvenate the immune system caused by toxins accumulated in the liver that helps to maintain our body's function fighting against any abnormality of cell growth including abnormal endometrial cells.

3. Cell growth
Since vitamin B2 helps in protein metabolism, it helps to maintain normal cell division or cell growth which decreases the risk of cell abnormality and prevent endometrial cells to grow somewhere else in the body excluding the endometrium.

4. Iron and vitamin B6
Vitamin B2 is needed for a healthy mucus membrane in the digestive system. It enhances the absorption of iron and vitamin B6 which is essential for women with endometriosis and heavy flow during menstruation.

5. Migraine
The Riboflavin that is found in Vitamin B2 has shown beneficial results by assisting in decreasing the time as well as the frequency in which one gets a migraine headache due to symptoms of endometriosis during menstruation.

6. Nervous system
Vitamin B2 can assist with alleviating stress as well as reducing symptoms of depression that are brought on by digestive disorders that generally affects women with endometriosis during the menstrual cycle.

D. Vitamin B3

I. Definition
Vitamin B3 , also known as niacin, is a water-soluble vitamin. Besides being usedto treat pellagra caused by dietary lack of vitamin B3 and protein, it also has been known to be effective in treating endometriosis because women with endometriosis are found to have vitamin B3 deficiency. It has a chemical compound formula of C6H5NO2.

II. How vitamin B3 helps in treating endometriosis
1. Hormone synthesis
Vitamin B3 is found to help the manufacturing of hormones such as cortisone and the sex hormone estrogen in a woman's body. Besides helping to inhibit levels of bad estrogen that causes menstrual cramps during menstrual cycle, it also helps to balance the prostaglandin hormone which causes over-active uterine muscles.

2. Digestive system
Deficiency of vitamin B3 is generally found in women with endometriosis during menstruation. It may be caused by the inability of the digestive system in breaking down food particles. Intake of vitamin B3 helps to re-balance the hormones that cause menstrual cramps.

3. Metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats
Besides helping to provide energy for our body in metabolism of carbohydrate through bile secretion, vitamin B3 also helps in the metabolism of protein and fat which are important for our body's function.

4. Circulatory stimulation
Vitamin B3 also helps in stimulation of the circulatory system by reducing the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) from the arteries in some people.

5. Nervous system
Vitamin B3 is important for the healthy activity of the nervous system by providing the metabolism of protein and fat which are nutrients necessary for brain cells resulting in reduced symptoms of endometriosis such as depression, anxiety, and irritation.

6. Inflammation
Vitamin B3 increases the level of prostaglandins hormones which control the physiologic processes of blood clotting and inflammation.

E. Vitamin B5
I. Definition
Vitamin B5 is also known as pantothenic acid. It plays an important role in the forming of co-enzyme A and is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fat. Vitamin B5 has a chemical structure formula of C9H17NO5.

II. How vitamin B5 helps in treating endometriosis
Most women with endometriosis were found to have low levels of vitamin B5 during the menstrual cycle for what ever reason. Without enough vitamin B5 in a woman's body, it causes:
1. A weakened immune system
Since vitamin B5 is necessary in the metabolism of carbohydrates, it helps to generate energy for our body's cells. Without enough levels of vitamin B5, our body's immune system is weakened and is dangerous for the forming of free radicals and cell abnormalities.
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2. Poor circulation
Our liver is the first line of defense by secreting bile into the digestive system to produce good cholesterol, which helps to inhibit the bad cholesterol in the arteries. Without enough vitamin B5, bad cholesterol is left unchecked causing difficulty for blood circulation.

3. Increased risk of over-active uterine muscles
Liver helps in metabolism of fat. Without enough vitamin B5, it causes hormone imbalance in the prostaglandins family leading to over-reaction of uterine muscles which in turn causes abdominal pain.

4. Increased tension of nervous system
Fat and protein are important for nourishing the cells in the nervous system. Low levels of vitamin B5 weakens the brain cell's function. This leads to symptoms of endometriosis such as anxiety, mood swings, and depression.

5. Increased risk of allergic reaction
Insufficient vitamin B5 in our body causes deficiency in co-enzyme A which is necessary for our body to react to sudden substances that enter our body, causing violently allergic reactions.

6. Acne
Fatty acid metabolism becomes less efficient and the individual is more prone to have acne.

7. Hormonal imbalance
Besides helping to reduce acne, vitamin B5 also interacts with other members of the vitamin B complex by increasing the function of the adrenal glands which is necessary to balance hormones and promote normal growth of the body.

F. Vitamin B6
I.Definition
Vitamin B6 is water soluble and a member of vitamin B complex. It plays an important role in amino acids metabolism that helps to maintain the proper function in our body.

II. Endometriosis and Vitamin B6
1. Hormone balancing
Vitamin B6 is essential for the production of the right levels of prostaglandins hormones in the prostaglandins family. Deficiency of vitamin B6 causes over active uterine muscles resulting in endometrial cramps.

2. Estrogen inhibitor
Vitamin B6 helps the live in protein and fat metabolism, thereby increasing the production of good estrogen that inhibits the bad estrogen produced by the body resulting in hormone re balancing and decrease the risk of cell abnormality and cancer.

3. Anemia
Vitamin B6 increases the production of red blood cells that usually are depleted for the women with the heavy menstrual flow during menstruation.

4. Nervous system
Our nervous system requires variety of nutrients to function daily, vitamin B6 helps not only maintain a right levels of cholesterol but also increase the circulation of nutrients to our nervous system needed resulting in decreasing the symptoms of endometriosis, such as memory loss, confusion and anxiety.

5. Cell Growth
Vitamin B6 aids in the synthesis of DNA and RNA by maintaining the proper cell division and preventing cell abnormal growth such as peritoneal cells developing into endometrial cells.

G. Vitamin B12

I. Definition
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin and a member of vitamin B complex. It plays an important role in treating women with endometriosis, such as reducing symptoms of endometriosis during menstrual cycle, maintaining protein and fat metabolism, avoiding iron deficiency, etc.

II. Endometriosis and vitamin B12
1. Anemia
Women with endometriosis are found to have low levels of vitamin B12 during menstrual cycle for what ever reason. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 deceases the production of red blood cell in the blood stream causing depletion of levels of iron in the blood leading to anemia.

2. Nervous system
Vitamin B12 is vital for protein and fat synthesis that helps to strengthen the function of nervous system resulting in lessening the nervous tension such as irritation, loss of memory, depression and mood swing.

3. Insomnia and fatigue
Besides helping in protein and fat synthesis, vitamin B12 also play an important role in carbohydrate metabolism that helps to provide energy for our body function and aids in insomnia and fatigue.

4. Immune system
Liver required vitamin B12 to function properly, deficiency of vitamin B12 causes enlarged liver resulting in decreasing the function of liver in fighting against environment toxins leading to high levels of bad estrogen in the body resulting in menstrual cramps for women with endometriosis.

5. Cell abnormality
Vitamin B12 is vital for the synthesis of DNA. Deficiency of vitamin B12 increases the risk of abnormal cell growth in the body such as endometrial cells growing somewhere else in the abdomen.

H. Biotin
I. Definition
Biotin is one of the members of the vitamin B complex. It is also known as vitamin H or B7. Vitamin B7 is a co-factor in the metabolism of fatty acids, leucine, and in gluconeogenesis. It has a chemical structure formula of C10H16N2O3S. Deficiency is extremely rare, as intestinal bacteria generally produce an excess of the body's daily requirement but for what ever reason, women with endometriosis are found to have low levels of biotin.

II. How biotin helps in treating endometriosis
1. Cell abnormality
Biotin acts as a co-factor with the other members in the vitamin B complex. It plays an important role in managing the body's cell growth. Without enough biotin, it causes cell growth abnormality such as the forming of perinatal cells into endometrial cell in the abdominal regions.

2. Poor blood circulation
Since biotin helps in gluconeogenesis, it regulates the sugar levels in the blood stream. Without enough levels of biotin, the level of blood sugar rises causing the thickening of blood which reduces the circulatory function and blocks the transportation of nutrients and oxygen to our body's cells. This results in an increased risk of symptoms of endometriosis.

3. Endometrial cramps
Since biotin is necessary in the metabolism of fatty acids, it helps to maintain levels of prostaglandins. Deficiency of biotin causes some members in the prostaglandins family to be over-produced during the menstrual cycle leading to menstrual and endometrial cramps.

4. Respiratory problem
Since biotin helps to synthesize carbon dioxide, without enough biotin it causes shortness of breath in women with endometriosis.

5. Risk of heart disease and stroke
If the liver cannot produce enough bile to generate good cholesterol because of not enough amounts of biotin in the body, it leads to cholesterol building up in the arteries causing the thickening of the arterial wall and the blockage o circulation of blood resulting in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

6. Weaken function of nervous system
Since biotin acts as a co-factor with other vitamin B complexes in the metabolism of protein, deficiency of biotin interferes with that process. It weakens the normal functions of cells in the nervous system leading to tension of the nervous system such as anxiety, dizziness, loss of memory, and depression.

I. Folic Acids
I. Definition
Folic acid is one of the members of the vitamin B complex family and is a water soluble vitamin. It also known as vitamin M or folacin. It's major function is to maintain normal growth and DNA of our body's cells. It has a chemical structure formula of C19H19N7O6.

II. How folic acids helps in treating endometriosis
1. Anemia
Since folic acid deficiency limits cell division, women with endometriosis with heavy blood flow during menstruation are required to take enough folic acid to help in production of red blood cell. If not, it will lead to megaloblastic anemia.

2. Cell abnormality
Since folic acid is necessary for cell division, deficiency of it will lead to abnormality of some cells in the body. Some endometrial cells may become cancerous or grow into endometrial cells in the abdomen.

3. Protein synthesis
Folic acids interact with other members of the vitamin B complex family in the metabolism of protein. This helps to provide nutrients to the cells in the nervous system. Deficiency of folic acids cause the weakening of the nervous system leading to symptoms of endometriosis.

4. Abnormal cell growth
Folic acid is essential to normal DNA replication, DNA repair, and cell division. Deficiency of folic acid interferes with cell production and cannot repair the damage of cell caused by toxin accumulated in the body leading to abnormal cell growth.

5. Heart disease and stroke
Deficiency of folic acid may help to decrease the circulating level of homocytesteine in the blood. Study shows that high levels of homocysteine in the bloodstream damages coronary arteries or makes it easier for blood clotting, resulting in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

6. Endometrial cancer
Since we already know that adequate levels of folic acid helps in the synthesis, repair, and functioning of DNA. Deficiency of folic acid may result in damage to DNA that may lead to cancer.

J. Choline
I. Definition
Choline is a water soluble vitamin and belongs to the group of vitamin B complexes. It was discovered by Andreas Strecker in 1864. It is used in traditional medicine in treating heart and liver disease caused by choline deficiency.

II. How choline helps in treating endometriosis
1. Strengthens the immune system
Deficiency of choline causes fat to be deposited into the liver and reduce the function of liver to fight against the abnormal forming of endometrial implants and adhesion in other parts of the body causing inflammation.

2. Reduce risk of heart diseases
Women with endometriosis are found to have low levels of choline during their menstrual cycle. The causes of deficiency are still unknown. Choline interacts with other members in the vitamin B complex family to help in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism which are necessary to provide energy and nutrients for our body. It also helps help to strengthen the liver in bile production, which helps to reduce the level of bad cholesterol resulting in decreasing the risk of heart diseases.

3. Increase function of nervous system
Since choline is a chemical precursor needed to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, it helps to enhance the various congestion systems within the brain resulting in an improved function of the nervous system leading to reduced symptoms of endometriosis such as memory loss, poor concentration, anxiety, and mood swings.

4. Balancing hormone
Deficiency of choline causes abnormal functions of the liver. Since the liver plays an important role in fatty acid metabolism, deficiency of choline weakens the liver function resulting in excessive estrogen produced during menstrual cycle leading to hormone imbalance and endometrial cramps.

K. Vitamin C
I. Definition
Vitamin C is also known as L-ascorbate. It is a water soluble vitamin with a chemical structure formula of C6H6O6. It cannot be stored in the body for more than 24 hours and we are required to take it regularly. It is also best known for it's antioxidant property in strengthening the immune system.

II. Vitamin C and endometriosis
1. Immune system
Vitamin C plays an important role in strengthening the immune system because of it's powerful antioxidant property. It helps to guard our body against the forming of free radicals and abnormal growth of endometrial cells in other parts of the body.

2. Increase absorption of digestive system
Most women with endometriosis are found to have deficiency of some kinds of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B complex, folic acid, zinc, and magnesium. Increasing intake of vitamin C not only helps to improve digestive absorption, but also increases the body's function in fighting against all kinds of diseases including endometriosis.

3. Hormone balancing
Besides helping strengthen the liver function to balance the estrogen level during menstrual cycle, vitamin C also balances the level of prostaglandins hormones in the prostaglandins family resulting in the calming of over-active uterine muscles.

4. Reduce heavy blood flow and blood clotting
Vitamin C not only helps to protect the breaking off of the capillaries that cause heavy blood flow for women with endometriosis during menstruation but also prevents blood clotting caused by reduction of prothrombin, thrombin, and thrombokinase concentrations in the body.

5. Decrease infection and inflammation
Vitamin C helps in protein metabolism. It not only provides our body with certain necessary proteins but also blocks the synthesis of vital proteins that cause infection and inflammation.

L. Vitamin E
I. Definition
Since vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin, it can be stored in our body and we don't require to take it regularly. It is best known for its powerful antioxidant property.

II. The effects of Vitamin E in women with Endometriosis
a) Immune system
Since vitamin E is an antioxidant, it helps to increase liver function in fighting the forming of free radicals, abnormal cells and cancers. In endometriosis, it prevents the growth of abnormal endometrial to form implants and adhesion in other parts of the body excluding the endometrium.

b) Cell protection
Since vitamin E protects the fatty acid against degradation in the human body, it helps to prevent against the oxidation in cell membranes and cellular regions resulting in protecting against the breaking off of the capillary wall causing heavy blood flow during menstruation.

c) Red blood cells
Deficiency of vitamin E in women with endometriosis were also found to have anemia. It is caused by the faster than normal aging of red blood cells because of oxidative destruction of red blood cells.

d) Nervous system
Since we already known that vitamin E is essential for increasing the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen in the circulation system, it helps to nourish the brain cells fighting against symptoms of endometriosis such as mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

e) Hormone imbalance
Deficiency of vitamin E also interferes with normal functions of thyroid and pituitary glands causing the increase of levels of fatty acids resulting in endometrial menstrual cramps which in turn result in the over-production of certain prostaglandins hormones.

M. Vitamin K

I. Definition
Vitamin K was first discovered by Danish scientist Herrik Dam in 1929. It is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is best known for its ability of protein synthesis and blood coagulation. Dietary deficiency is extremely rare because it is produced by bacteria in the digestive system. Since it is fat soluble, it can be stored in our body and we do no need to take them regularly.

II. How vitamin K effects women with endometriosis
1. Nervous and circulation systems
Vitamin K helps to convert glucose into glycogen which is essential for improving the liver function in fighting against the forming of bad cholesterol accumulated in the blood stream causing high blood pressure, making transportation of oxygen more difficult to the body's cell, increasing the risk of heart disease and elevating tensions of nervous system. Glycogen can be stored in the liver, muscles, and can be used in case of deficiency.

2. Abnormal bleeding
Vitamin K also helps in production of prothrombin which is an important substance for blood clotting. Women with endometriosis were found to have vitamin K deficiency leading to heavier than normal bleeding during menstruation.

3. Immune system
Since vitamin K helps to strengthen the liver's function, indirectly it protects our body from environmental toxins that cause abnormal endometrial implants and adhesion growing somewhere else other than the endometrium as we mentioned in the other articles.

4. Cell Growth
Vitamin K is also said to be an important vitamin that helps to regulate the cellular functions including cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and protection against the cell's cytoskeleton to break up the membrane and bulge outward causing the loss of membrane asymmetry and attachment. Deficiency of vitamin K may cause an increase in the risk of irregularity cellular growth, such as endometriosis.

5. Anemia
Since vitamin K deficiency causes heavy bleeding for women with endometriosis adhered to the abdominal region leading to anemia as a result of depletion of red blood cells in the body or inability of the body to produce more red blood cell to cover the loss during menstruation

Since endometriosis is treatable and manageable by natural remedies and a self help course, if you have endometroisis, please look on the bright side.

For How To Choose The Best Endometriosis Self Help Program, Visit
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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Endometriosis Part I - Definition, Stages, Symptoms, Causes and Affects of Endometriosis

I. Definition
During the last stage of the menstrual cycle, normally a layer of endometriosis lining on the inside of the uterus is expelled, known as menstruation blood which instead some of the endometriosis tissues grows somewhere in the body causing endometriosis. They also react to hormone signals of the monthly menstrual cycle, builds up tissue, breaks it and eliminates it through menstrual period.

II. Stages
Endometriosis is estimated to affect:
a) About 20% of reproductive age women with endometriosis present but without symptoms.
b) About 55% of women who have developed the new onset of severe menstrual cramps
c) About 25% of women with sub-fertility (less fertile than a normal couple)
Since they grow in somewhere other than in the uterus, when they break there is no way for the period blood to exit causing blood attaching to the organs or lining of the abdomen resulting in scars or adhesion as well as weakening the normal function of organs.
Most of the time, the endometriosis tissues do not travel far. It is commonly found within the pelvic region, on the lining of peritoneum, in the ovaries, and on the surface of the uterus's outside wall, but they can be anywhere in the body such as well as fallopian tubes, the cervix, the vagina, and even the vulva.

Endometriosis can vary in appearance. It may be clear or white, reddish, brown or blue black, and cysts. They can be classified according to stage of severity:
a) Minimal stage:
Top surface, few in number. Commonly they are found in the inside wall of uterus, ligaments and ovary.
b) Mild stage:
Deeper implants, greater numbers are presented. Commonly found in the same area as minimal stage.
c) Moderate stage:
Many implants, endometrial cysts present, affecting ovary function, causing scar tissues and adhesion is also present.
d) Severe stage:
Intensive peritoneal implants, large endometromas present and dense adhesion.
Each women experiences differently to endometriosis. Some women may have extensive endometrial tissues in their body but feel little or no pain at all, while other women may only be in the early stage of endometriosis but have excessive pain.

III. Symptoms
1. Severe period pain
It normally happens with over-production of prostaglandins and leukotrient causing the cervix to contract resulting in no escape for the menstrual period.

2. Difficult to get pregnant
If the cyst is presented in the ovary, it will respond to hormone changes in the menstrual cycle causing the cysts to get large every month blocking the normal function of ovaries resulting in infertility

3. Pain during sex
If endometrosis occurs at the region that is stimulated during sex it may cause excessive pain such as uterosacral ligament and cervic region.

4. Pain elevate to ward the end of period.
Endometriosis located somewhere other than in the uterus rupturing during menstruation. Since the blood cannot escape, it retents in our body causing damage to the organs or any part of the body hosting the endometriosis resulting in severe pain toward the end of the period.

5. Constipation
Constipation is caused by endometrial implants or adhesion attaching to the organ of excretion. It makes it extremely painful to urinate and defecate.

6. Premenstrual symptoms
Premenstrual symptom is defined to have menstrual cramps before and during menstrual cycle. If the pain is more severe than before than it may be caused by endometrial implants or adhesion to more sensitive areas.

7. Heavy period
Heavy period is either caused by menorrhagia or endometriosis. Any women who has never experience heavy period before, the sudden change of heavy period may be caused by the rupturing of the endometrial lining embedded on the inner wall of the uterus.

8. Irritable bowel syndrome
Women with endometriosis in the bowel region frequently have abdominal and bowel symptoms, specially during the menstrual cycle. Bowel symptoms may be attributed to irritable bowel symptoms or caused by intestinal involvement from endometriosis.

9. Pain in one side of pelvic
Pain on one side of the pelvic during menstrual cycle may be caused by endometrial implants or adhesion to that side of the pelvic.

IV. Causes

1. Retrograde menstruation
The retrograde menstruation theory suggests that during menstruation the blood flows backward instead of outward causing menstrual blood to go through the fallopian tubes to the pelvic and abdominal cavity, resulting in blood embedding on the outside of the uterus into other tissues and organs causing endometriosis.

2. Weakening of immune system
Normally, the immune will destroy endometrial cells which are located outside the uterus. If the immune system is weakened and no longer functions normally, it will allow the endometrial cells that shed to attach and grow elsewhere in the body.

3. Stress and emotion
During stress and emotion, the adrenal glands produce cortisol which affects the function of the body to cleanse toxins resulting in stimulating the growth of endometriosis.

4. Embryonic theory
This theory suggests during the embryonic stage, some endometrial cells which normally grow in the womb instead develops in the abdomen.

5. Hormone imbalance
Endometriosis happens during reproductive years of women when estrogen and progesterone are most active. In each stage of the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone must be balanced for women to conceive. Any imbalance of hormones during the menstrual cycle causes conversion of estrogen into bad estrogen and over-production of prostaglandin causing the cervix to contract resulting in no escaping of the menstrual period, causing menstrual cramps and endometriosis. Nutritional deficiency is also one of the causes of hormone imbalance.

6. Hereditary
Endometriosis may be genetics passing through from generation to generation or it may result from genetic errors, causing some women to become more likely than others to develop the condition. Study shows that women are 5 times more likely to develop endometriosis if her sister has it. It is wise for these women to have children in their early reproductive years.

7. Toxic environment
Study shows that exposing our body to toxins found in pesticides and some harmful waste products may have some hormonal and chemical influence causing activation of endometriosis at the time of menstrual cycle resulting in proliferating of endo-tissues to the abnormal area in our body.

8. Xenoestrogen
Interaction of our body with certain chemicals causes a disruption of the body's hormones as resulting of over-production of estrogen converting to xenoestrogen to stimulate the growth of endometriosis.

9. Sex during menstruation.
Sexual intercourse during menstruation causes the endometriosis tissue to travel into the fallopian tubes then into the ovary resulting in developing ovarian endometriosis.

IV. Affects
A. Women's life

1. Difficulties at work
Women with endometriosis in certain regions of the body suffer from pain at least several days in a month just before and during menstruation causing the loss of productive activity as well as reducing the chance of advancement. Co-workers who have to cover her work without understanding the symptoms of endometriosis will likely feel resentment resulting in emotional depression. Study shows that endometriosis causes 41% of women to give up or lose their jobs due to illness.

2. Difficulties in personal relationship
Women suffering from endometriosis may feel extensive pain during sexual intercourse. If the disease is not diagnosed, she may be accused of being frigid or neurotic causing difficulty in personal relationship leading to destruction of marriage as well as increasing the risk of depression and other diseases.

3. Infertility
In general, women with endometriosis find it harder to become pregnant than other women. Women with moderate to severe stage of endometriosis tend to have more difficulty conceiving than women with minimal to mild stage of endometriosis. If the woman is living in a culture where she is defined by her ability to produce children, it can lead to social stigma.

4. Interference in social life
Women with severe pain as a result of endometriosis may interference with social life, such as family events, social events, and traveling just before and during menstruation.
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5. Emotional depression
Woman with endometriosis who cannot control her symptoms may cause misunderstanding in the family and work place leading to depression. With no support from family and friends she may experience feelings of isolation as well.

6. Frustration
Not understanding endometriosis may cause feelings of confusion and embarrassment about the condition leading to irritation.

B. Reproductive System
1. Infertility
Infertility is always difficult for women with endometriosis. In fact depending on the stage of endometroisis and where endometriosis implants in the body, some women may not even get pregnant at all if they are on the last stage of endometroisis and the cysts is located in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus because of the enlarged endometrosis cysts not only causing inflammation but also interfering with each stage of the menstrual cycle. In general, women with endometriosis find it harder to become pregnant than other women.

2. Miscarriage
Some physicians in the infertility field do feel there is an increase in the risk of miscarriage with endometriosis. Some feel there is no increase in the miscarriage rate. One of the studies looked at the miscarriage rates in patients prior to treatment of endometriosis and compared to the miscarriage rates in the same patients after treatment of endometriosis. In these studies patients had lower miscarriage rates after treatment. Women pregnant with endometriosis should be wise to seek help from specialists for treatment that not only nourishes the fetus but also controls the progression of endometriosis.

3. Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a complication of pregnancy in which the fertilized ovum is implanted in any tissue other than the uterine wall, caused by blockage of endometroisis of the fallopian tubes leading to an ectopic pregnancy. In fact, the fetus produces enzymes that allow it to implant in varied types of tissues, and thus an embryo implanted elsewhere than the uterus can cause great tissue damage in its efforts to reach a sufficient supply of blood, sometime it is life threatening to the mother.

4. Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is painful sexual intercourse. When pain occurs, the woman experiencing it may be distracted from feeling pleasure and excitement. Women with endometriosis suffer from dyspareunia if endometriosis is located in the major ligaments of the uterus. Endometriosis-related dyspareunia is usually positional and most intense upon deep penetration. It is most intense prior to menstruation.

C. Abdominal and Pelvic Pain
1. Chronic pelvic pain
Normal chronic pelvic pain refers to any pain in your pelvic region (the area below your bellybutton and between your hips) lasting more than six months. In case of endometriosis at the final stage of the menstrual cycle period, endometrial tissue swells and bleeds, just like the lining of your uterus causing pain and scar tissue, and adhesion forming in your pelvic area resulting in the tissue and organ near the endometrosis being covered. Any movement of these constricted organs can cause severe pain.

2. Locally pelvic pain
Some women experience locally pelvic pain beginning or/and during menstrual cycle caused by pre-menstrual syndrome as a result of over-production of prostaglandins increasing the contraction within the uterus lining. In case of endometriosis, the pain continues throughout menstruation, caused by inflammation of rupturing of endometrial cysts that attach to some pelvic regions as a result of over-production of certain hormones elevating the pain in that area.

3. Lower pelvic pain
Normally lower pelvic pain is caused by infection of the bladder or inflammation of the collecting system of one or both kidneys, or dysmenorrhea. In case of endometrosis, the pain continues and becomes severe just before and during menstruation caused by scars and adhesion attached to the organs in the lower pelvic regions, such as the kidneys, bladder, and/or ovary.

4. Severe abdominal cramps
Severe abdominal cramps before or during the menstrual cycle is likely caused by dysmenorrhea or premenstrual syndrome, if the pain is prolonged or just before, or during menstruation, then it may be caused by endometrial cells and rupturing of endometrial cysts resulting in over-production of prostaglandins in one area of the back, or travelling down the legs. If you experience back pain with continual dull abdominal pain just before and during menstruation it may caused by scar tissue or adhesion attached to the vertebra area.

Remember any severe pain JUST BEFORE AND DURING menstruation in any region may be a good indication of endometriosis.

D. Irregular menstruation
1. Variable amounts of bleeding either heavy or scanty
Variable amounts of bleeding either heavy or scanty is normal for menarche and perimenopause as the menstrual cycle is initiated and during a woman 's forties until menopause accordingly because of imbalance of estrogen and progesterone. In endometriosis, heavy and scanty bleeding are caused by over-production of certain hormones in the prostaglandins hormonal family that controls the aggregation or disaggregation of platelets.

2. Menstrual spotting
Menstrual spotting in the middle of the menstrual cycle may be caused by polyp growth in the uterus. Polyps within the uterus may prevent pregnancy or interfere with implantation of embryo as well as miscarriage. Polyps also cause heavy bleeding as a resulting of rupture of polyps in the uterus during menstruation. Luckily most polyps exit in uterus tend to be benign growth.

3. Prolong bleeding
Prolong bleeding may be caused by endometriosis cysts or fibroid located in the uterus wall as a result of imbalanced hormones of the prostaglandins family caused by excessive estrogen in the body if one type of prostaglandins hormone that helps to stop platelets from clumping together.

4. Long menstrual cycle
An irregular menstrual pattern of long menstrual cycles may be an indication of ovulation problems and can be a major factor in infertility caused by endometriosis ovulation problems resulting in ovulation delay or immature eggs in the follicular phase. Sometimes, the follicle develops but the egg is not expelled from the ovary, caused by low levels of progesterone.

5. Blood clots
Because of irregular menstruation causing imbalance hormone, blood clots usually happen during menstruation if one of the hormones of the prostaglandins family that helps to regulate blood clots is over-produced. In this case over-production of such hormones cause more platelets clumping together and fails to dilate blood vessels resulting in blood clots.

E. Digestive System
1. Constipation or difficult defecation
Defecation is the final act of digestion by which organisms eliminate waste material from the digestive tract via the anus. Constipation is caused by endometriosis implants or adhesion thst are attached to organs of excretion resulting in painful urination, as well as defecation.

2. Bloating
Bloating may have several causes, the most common being accumulation of liquids and intestinal gas. In endometriosis, bloating is caused by ovarian cysts, endometrial implants, or adhesion in the intestines that promote collection of fluid within an ovary causing swelling in the abdominal region and swelling in the digestive system as resulting of lack of regular ovulation and excessive amounts of androgenic hormones.

3. Rectal bleeding
Constipation normally is the main cause of rectal bleeding. In endometriosis, endometrial implants or adhesion in large intestine resulting in rectal bleeding as waste passing through. It also causes rectal bleeding just before and during menstruation as endometrial bleeding.

4. Diarrhea
Sudden bouts of diarrhea may be caused by bacterial infection. In woman with endometriosis, deficiency of vitamin A and B are common, causing low level of enzymes that allow food to pass through the intestine undigested.

5. Fluid retention
Fluid retention may be caused by endometrial cysts located other than in the reproductive system. Endometrial lining bleeding during menstruation causes blood to have nowhere to escape causing fluid retention in some parts of the body.

6. Sugar craving
Sugar craving is the symptom of premenstrual syndrome. Women with endometriosis also have premenstrual syndrome. Unlike other woman, they also have a high level of abnormal tolerance curves because of low levels of progesterone resulting in an over-production of adrenaline causing sugar craving.

7. Loss of appetite
Woman with intestinal endometriosis may have loss of appetite present only at the time of the menstrual period or they may be present all month long and worsen at the time of the period.

F. Urination

1. Irregular urination
Normally irregular urination in adults is caused by pressure of a fetus on the bladder of a pregnant woman or losing muscle of the badder causing the feeling to use the bathroom. In woman with endometriosis, it is caused by endometrial implants or adhesion in the badder region, which increases the pressure to the urinary system resulting in irregular urination.

2. Lower abdominal pain on urination
Lower abdominal pain may be caused by endometrial implants, adhesion or cysts in the pelvic region or by over-production of prostaglandins which increases the tension of muscle spam in the bowel and the uterus. Lower abdominal pain on urination is caused by over-production of prostaglandins which stimulate the contraction of the ovaries and uterus muscles or endometrial implants and adhesion in the lower abdominal area causing pressure and pain on urination.

3. Blood in urine
Blood in urine is a common cause of women with endometrial implants or cysts attached to the bladder area as resulting of bleeding of the endometriosis. It worsens just before and during menstruation.

4. Kidney tenderness
Kidney tenderness may be caused by the weakened immune system of woman with endometrial adhesion attached to the kidney causing abnormal function of the kidney and kidney fluid retention. It may be caused by cysts in the pelvic region which increases pressure of the bladder and urinary tract resulting in mounting pressure to the kidney, causing kidney tenderness. It worsens at the beginning and during period.

G. Emotional state
1. Depression
Depression is a illness that not only affects woman with endometriosis but also their family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health. It is caused by lower levels of good estrogen and high levels of progesterone, and the symptom get worse before and during menstruation. Being misunderstood by co-workers, family, and friends may trigger the feeling of worthlessness and loss of interest in daily activity such as hobbies and sex.

2. Apathy and fatigue
Apathy and fatigue may be caused by thyroid problem or hormone imbalance. Apathy and fatigue in endometriosis is caused by the pressure of coping with any sort of pain that returns relentlessly every month, affecting her physical and emotional state.

3. Loss of concentration and memory
Many women with endometrosis also suffer from anemia caused by heavy blood flow leading to deficiency of iron, folate aid, and vitamin B12 which are necessary for reproduction of red blood cells and to increase transportation of oxygen to brain cells, causing loss of concentration and memory.

4. Irritability
Irritation besides being caused by hormonal imbalance in the women with endometriosis during the menstrual cycle. Stress and confusion for woman with endometriosis is understandable. It is best to cope with the stress and try understand the disease and how to treat it. Denial of any of this not only causes more emotional pressure but also irritates any suggestion and help.

5. Loss of self confidence
It is hard for woman to perform daily activities with menstrual cramps on her back. It not only affects her work but also causes absence due to sickness every month in the work place. Without understanding by her boss and family, women with endometriosis may lose self confidence in her job as well as at home.

6. Insomnia
Insomnia is common among women with endometriosis because it is caused by the pain keeping them awake during the night.

H. Hormonal symptoms
1. Hot flashes
Hot flashes also known as hot flushes, is a feeling of intense heat with sweating and rapid heartbeat, and may typically last from two to thirty minutes for each occurrence, normally happening only to women in the menopause stage. Woman with endometriosis may also experience some sources of hot flashes caused by hormone imbalance and tends to occur only during times of menstruation as resulting of more progesterone produced by the purity gland and low levels of good estrogen in the body. Intake of soy rich foods will help to reduce symptoms of hot flashes.

2. Tender breast
Tender breast normally happens to women during the 7th to 14th days prior to their period such as discomfort, tenderness and swelling of the breasts. It also happens to women 1-2 weeks after conception. In case of endometriosis, it causes interfere of endometriosis implants or adhesion against normal ovarian functions of the menstrual cycle as resulting of over-production of estrogen or progesterone. These symptoms may worsen due to a decline in your normal ovarian function. It is said that intake of vitamin B6 and primrose oil will help. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or over-the-counter medication.

3. Premenstrual syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome is a condition that happens between ovulation and the start of the period. Women who have endometriosis also have PMS mostly caused by hormone imbalance such as imbalance of estrogen and progesterone, serotonin or excessive androgen. In case of endometriosis pre-menstrual symptom is caused by imbalance of prostaglandins and leucotrienes produced by endometrium that interferes with normal muscle contraction and the local blood flow resulting in abdominal pain.

4. Prolong and heavy bleeding
Normally abnormal uterine bleeding happens to women in menarche or perimenopause stages. It may also happen to women with hypothyroidism or polycystic ovarian syndrome. If the bleeding is heavy and over six months, then it is caused by endometrial implants or adhesion that interferes with the ability of the blood vessels to contract to stop bleeding after the normal menstrual sloughing.

I. Cardiovascular Symptoms
1. Breathlessness
Women with endometriosis may experience breathlessness caused by heavy blood flow that depletes the storage of iron and other necessary substances, resulting in less oxygen and nutrition needed to re-nourish the body's cells as the heart has to work harder to pump blood. Intake of food with rich sources of iron such as spinach and broccoli during menstrual cycle is said to help, reduce, or get rid of this symptom.

2. Palpitation
Endometrial implants or adhesion on the liver caused by malfunction of the liver as it no longer secretes enough bile to the intestine as a result of high levels of bad cholesterol in the blood stream. As this problem progresses, cholesterol builds up on the arterial wall causing the heart to over-work, resulting in heart palpitations. Intake of flax seed oil is said to restore balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and reduce cholesterol as well as helping restore the normal function of the liver.

3. Giddiness and confusion
Giddiness is defined to have a reeling, lightheaded sensation, or dizziness. Women with endometriosis may experience dizziness due to insufficiency of oxygen levels in the blood stream that are vital for brain cells. Without enough oxygen to nourish its cells, the brain cannot function causing confusion as well as giddiness. It also caused by endometriosis that attach to the lung which interferes with lung function to absorb oxygen.

4. Hypertension
High blood pressure is always associated with heart disease. In case of women with endometriosis, it is caused by abnormal function of the liver which has been damaged by endometrial implants or adhesion. The damaged liver now cannot produce enough bile to help the digestive system to get rid of bad cholesterol from our body resulting in cholesterol building up as well as high blood pressure.

For How To Choose The Best Endometriosis Self Help Program, Visit
http://theendometroisisguide.blogspot.com/
For series of Infertility Articles, please visit
http://fertility-infertility.blogspot.com/

Retrieved from "http://www.articlesbase.com/womens-health-articles/endometriosis-part-i-definition-stages-symptoms-causes-and-affects-of-endometriosis-1127451.html"

Endometrial Hyperplasia