The model/TV presenter/fashion designer recently revealed on her Instagram page that she is battling with endometriosis (pronounced en-doh-mee-tree-oh-sis). The long-term health condition can affect woman of any age, but is most common in women in their 30s and 40s. Around 1.5 million woman in the UK are currently living with the contain and it can affect all woman and girls of childbearing age, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Endometriosis devastates the lives of woman and their families
Endometriosis UK
According to the NHS, endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
It is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus, the endometrium, goes outside the uterus.
Endometriosis UK said on their website: “Endometriosis devastates the lives of woman and their families.
“It is a condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body.
“Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building u and then breaking down and bleeding.
“It is a chronic and debilitating condition that causes painful or heavy periods. It may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems.”
With endometriosis, displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would, it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle.
Because this displaced tissue has no way to exit the body, it becomes trapped.
When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. The surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions which are abnormal bands of fibrous tissue that can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other.
The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods.
Although many experience cramping during their menstrual periods, those with endometriosis typically describe menstrual pain that’s far worse than usual. Pain also may increase over time.
The common symptoms of the condition include painful periods, pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements or urination, excessive bleeding and infertility.
Fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or nausea during menstrual periods are other symptoms to look out for.
If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, your GP or specialist should discuss possible endometriosis treatment options with you.
Endometriosis UK said: “Currently there is not cure for endometriosis. The different treatments available aim to reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life for a woman living with the condition.
“Treatment options available are surgery, hormone treatment or pain relief.”
“It can be difficult to diagnose endometriosis because the symptoms can vary considerable, and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
“Your GP will ask about your symptoms, and may ask to examine your tummy and vagina. They may recommend treatments if they think you have endometriosis,” added the NHS.
Lena Dunham, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Emma Bunton, Cyndi Lauper and Jamie King are a few other famous woman who have battled with the condition.
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