Endometriosis and PCOS - What You Should Know?

Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are two of the most common gynecological conditions that affect women. While they share some similar symptoms, they are two separate conditions that require different treatments. In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for endometriosis and PCOS.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing inflammation, pain, and scarring. It is estimated that 10% of women worldwide are affected by endometriosis, and it is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

Causes

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but there are several theories. One theory is that menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back into the pelvic cavity during menstruation, where the cells then grow outside of the uterus. Another theory is that endometrial cells are carried to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which can range from mild to severe. Other symptoms may include painful menstrual periods, pain during intercourse, infertility, and digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Endometriosis is typically diagnosed through a laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a healthcare provider to view the pelvic cavity and identify any abnormal tissue growth. Treatment options for endometriosis may include pain management medications, hormonal therapies, or surgery to remove the abnormal tissue growth. In cases where infertility is a concern, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. PCOS is characterized by the growth of small cysts on the ovaries, which can disrupt hormonal balance and cause a range of symptoms.

Causes

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is believed to be related to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of insulin, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH), which can disrupt ovulation and cause the growth of ovarian cysts.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PCOS can vary from woman to woman, but may include irregular menstrual periods, excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, and infertility. Women with PCOS may also be at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of PCOS typically involves a combination of medical history, physical exam, and blood tests to check hormone levels. Treatment for PCOS may include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medications to regulate menstrual cycles or reduce excess hair growth, and fertility treatments such as IVF for women who are struggling to conceive.

SUMMARY

Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are two common gynecological conditions that affect women. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing pain and inflammation. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that is characterized by the growth of small cysts on the ovaries, which can disrupt ovulation and cause a range of symptoms. While the causes and symptoms of these conditions may differ, there are treatment options available to help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

Jayti Shah is a Clinical Nutritionist with a master's degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics. She is a member of the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA). Over the last 9 years, she has helped 400 clients in their clinical and weight loss journeys. She works with SocialBoat as a nutrition consultant.

At SocialBoat, we offer custom diet plans and guided workouts to help you achieve your goals in a 360-degree approach. Our gamified experience ensures that you don’t find workouts boring and we reward you for being consistent with your efforts.

REFERENCES

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 214: Endometriosis in adolescents. Obstetrics and Gynecology 133(4), e279-e296.

2. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2018). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/Mayo Clinic. (2021).

3. Endometriosis.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656Mayo Clinic. (2021).

4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2017).

5. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pcos/conditioninfo/default

6. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2018). What is endometriosis? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/endometri/conditioninfo/default(2021)

7. Patient education: Endometriosis (Beyond the Basics) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/endometriosis-beyond-the-basics(2021).

8. Patient education: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (Beyond the Basics). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-beyond-the-basics