Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Options

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body—most commonly in the pelvic cavity. This overgrowth of tissue can cause severe pelvic pain and other side effects like excessive bleeding, infertility and painful intercourse. The exact cause of endometriosis is not certain, and although it is currently incurable, it is manageable through a variety of symptom management solutions.

At Honu Women’s Health, we care deeply for our patients experiencing endometriosis and work diligently to find options to improve quality of life. Endometriosis affects women in many different ways, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Here, our board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Aya Sultan, works patiently with each patient to relieve unique symptoms and improve total body health.

Empowering You to Achieve Optimal Health

At Honu Women’s Health, we believe in empowering our patients to achieve optimal health in ways that are safe, long-lasting and effective. Dr. Sultan has a unique background that has adeptly prepared her to excel at solving health-related issues that may have you waiting in doctors’ offices asking questions that continue to go unanswered.

Common symptoms include:

Pain (any type of pain, not just severe pelvic pain)
Infertility
Constipation
Gastrointestinal issues

Hormone Therapy for Symptom Management

Even though there is no cure, hormone therapy can help relieve related pain. Hormones work to relieve endometriosis pain for up to 90 out of 100 women. Since the displaced endometrial tissue from endometriosis continues to act as it normally would in the uterus—thickening, breaking down and bleeding with each menstrual cycle—it responds to hormones such as those found in birth control pills. Our perception of pain can also be altered by different hormones, which makes hormone therapy additionally worthwhile for endometriosis pain.

What to Expect During Your Exam

At your exam, Dr. Sultan will review your hormone levels and medications, and she will discuss any lifestyle or nutritional matters that may be affecting your endometriosis pain. It is possible that your prescription medications could be exacerbating endometriosis pain or creating other underlying health issues. Dr. Sultan may recommend alternatives to any prescription medications that are worsening your symptoms or offer nutritional counseling.

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Other Endometriosis Treatments Options

Beyond hormone therapy, pain medications may work well to ease pain or other mild symptoms . Depending on other medications you are taking, Dr. Sultan may recommend over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescribe a stronger pain reliever. As a last resort, there are many surgical procedures to help ease symptoms, although several clinical trials report these procedures to be ineffective at relieving pain from endometriosis.

Invest in Your Overall Wellness

We encourage you to schedule an appointment at Honu Women’s Health to discuss your struggle with endometriosis in a comfortable environment where you will not be rushed. Endometriosis and its side effects can lead to confusion and questions about your body, and Dr. Sultan will invest the time it takes to help you achieve your best health. At your appointment, be prepared to share information on the history of your endometriosis symptoms. Your key medical information, including conditions you have been treated for in the past, will be important to share.

Whether you need pain relief from endometriosis or help navigating its other common side effects like painful intercourse or infertility, Honu Women’s Health can be where your journey to better health and a renewed outlook on life starts.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and make the first step toward getting answers and making a positive change in your life.