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What is Endometriosis?
Symptoms of Endometriosis
What Causes Endometriosis?
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Treatment Options
Although there is no cure
for endometriosis, a variety of treatment options exist. Goals may include:
relieving/reducing pain symptoms, shrinking or slowing endometrial growths, preserving or
restoring fertility, and preventing/delaying recurrence of the disease.
PAIN MEDICATION: Over-the-counter
pain relievers may include aspirin and tylenol, as well prostaglandin inhibitors such as
ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, indomethecin, and tolfenamic acid. In some cases, prescription
drugs may be required.
HORMONAL THERAPY: Hormonal
treatment aims to stop ovulation for as long as possible and may include: oral
contraceptives, progesterone drugs, a testosterone derivative (danazol), and GnRH agonists
(gonadotropin releasing hormone drugs). Side effects may be a problem for some women.
SURGERY: Conservative surgery seeks
to remove or destroy the growths, relieve pain, and may allow pregnancy to occur in some
cases. Conservative surgery can involve laparoscopy (minor precedure with a tiny abdominal
incision) or laparotomy (more extensive procedure, full incision, longer recovery period).
Hormonal therapy may be prescribed along with conservative surgery. Radical surgery, which
may be necessary in severe cases, involves hysterectomy, removal of all growths, and
removal of ovaries.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT: Complementary
treatment options may include traditional Chinese medicine, nutritional approaches,
homeopathy, allergy management, and immune therapy. To learn more about alternative
therapies, see: The Endometriosis Sourcebook, Overcoming Endometriosis, and
EA newsletters Vol. 17, nos. 2, 3, 5-6.
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