Endometriosis is a gynecological condition that occurs when tissue that lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) develops outside of the womb. While endometriosis can develop anywhere in the body, it commonly occurs in the lower abdomen and pelvic area. Pelvic pain, painful periods, and heavy menstrual bleeding are common symptoms of endometriosis.
Board-certified OB/GYN Kiran Patel, MD, together with board-certified family medicine physician Leela Patel, MD, provide comprehensive primary care and family medicine, along with obstetrics and gynecology services, including treatment for endometriosis and heavy menstrual bleeding. Keep reading to learn how endometriosis is linked to abnormal bleeding.
What happens when you have endometriosis?
The endometrium is a thin layer of tissue that lines the uterus. This mucous membrane thickens during your menstrual cycle to prepare for possible implantation of an embryo, and helps to maintain the integrity of the uterus.
In endometriosis, endometrial tissue grows in areas outside of the uterine cavity, such as in the abdomen, or pelvic organs. When this happens the tissue performs the same as it does inside the uterus.
This means when you have your period not only does the endometrial lining inside the uterus thicken, but so does the endometrial tissue elsewhere. This can cause a number of symptoms and is associated with heavy menstrual bleeding.
Treatment options for endometriosis
At Patel and Patel Inc., we use the latest technology to diagnose and treat endometriosis and associated abnormal bleeding. The type of treatment recommended for you depends on whether you’re planning to have children in the future. This will define the optimal treatment approach.
The following are treatment options for improving endometriosis and heavy bleeding:
Oral contraceptives — Low-dose oral contraceptives improve heavy menstrual bleeding by suppressing ovulation and menstruation.
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnrH) agonist — This group of medications that block estrogen production, which inactivates endometrial tissue that has implanted outside of the uterus and causes it to deteriorate. Treatment suppresses menstruation within about two months of starting treatment.
Endometrial ablation — This minimally invasive procedure removes a thin layer of the uterine lining. The endometrium heals with scar tissue, which greatly improves heavy menstrual periods.
Dr. Patel uses the NovaSure procedure, which is quick (takes about five minutes), safe, and effective. The procedure involves using small instruments inserted into the vagina to deliver radiofrequency energy to ablate the endometrium.
If you’re struggling with heavy bleeding, or other symptoms of endometriosis, we can help. To schedule a visit with Dr. Patel to discuss treatment options, give us a call to schedule a visit or request an appointment online today.