Tag: endometriosis

Posted in women’s health

Adhesions in Endometriosis

Posted on by M Artisans

Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is a painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis.

@mayo foundation

It is a complex disease that affects many women globally from the onset of their first period (menarche) through menopause, regardless of ethnic origin or social status. From a recent post of the World Health Organization dated March 2023 – there’s approximately 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women affected worldwide.

Mayo Clinic explains how the disease develops. The endometrial-like tissue acts as endometrial tissue would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But because this tissue has no way to exit your body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions — bands of fibrous tissue that can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other. That’s how adhesion is formed.

As you may know, this is really close to my heart. I’ve been suffering from endometriosis and adenomyosis for years now. Unfortunately, last tests confirmed more adhesions and advancement to stage 4.

Like many endowarriors, I’m hopeful still… Eyeing on procedures like laparoscopy which is less invasive and can remove and break up adhesions. This is my second laparoscopic procedure though and my next plan after getting hormonal treatments. For fellow sufferers, talk to your doctor for alternative options regarding our invisible illness. Surgery should be the last as this can also cause more adhesions according to recent studies. ❤

Posted in life, women’s health

Endo journey – crossroads

Posted on by M Artisans

Many things are weighing me down lately. I used to imagine myself in the shoes of this lucky woman who got healed after 12 years of hemorrhage just by touching the robe of Jesus. Longing for the same miracle that I, too, can be healed…

In my 12th year, a journey that has been long and painful. God has tested me so much, sometimes i just feel that He has forgotten about me. This post may not be relatable to most people, and you may meet endowarriors who seem fine on the outside but hurting inside. This chronic illness is Endometriosis and coined as – ‘invisible illness.’

Easy to brush off small discomforts and go on with our daily lives, pretending you are healthy. Much easier than a lengthy explanation about your disease that no one wants to listen.

Perhaps, this is the end of the road for my uterus and all the organs stucked together as complications of endometriosis. That glimmer of hope starts to faint and flicker. I’m still waiting for a sign, in denial of the inevitable decision that soon they have to be discarded.

Ending this post with a bible verse;

Do not be afraid, just stand firm and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still…

– Exodus 14:13-14

❤

Posted in health, women’s health

What is Adenomyosis?

Posted on by M Artisans

April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month

Disclaimer: The information on this post is not intended to diagnose, treat or evaluate a condition. It is for informative purpose only, for individuals seeking general information.

Adenomyosis is a condition in which the lining of the uterus grows into the walls of the uterus

– Yale Medicine

Adenomyosis (pronounced add-en-o-my-OH-sis) is a gynecological condition that causes the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. It enlarges the uterus, and may lead to painful and very heavy menstrual bleeding.

Experts are not sure what causes adenomyosis.

Symptoms

Sometimes, adenomyosis causes no signs or symptoms or only mild discomfort. However, most symptoms are overwhelming such as the ff:

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
  • Severe cramping or sharp, knifelike pelvic pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • bloating

Treatments for adenomyosis include hormonal contraceptives (pills), pain medication and surgery. Some women with mild symptoms choose to manage adenomyosis nonsurgically until they enter menopause. Women with severe symptoms need a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).

Posted in women’s health

depression in endo

Posted on by M Artisans

You may consider her an expert living a decade with endometriosis. Bereft of many oppportunities unlike most healthy “young” and active women. Confined to restrictions, living in a seemingly endless pandemic. Taking pleasures from the simplest sips of coffee to a pain-free day.

Disclaimer: The information on this post is not intended to diagnose, treat or evaluate a condition. It is for informative purpose only, for individuals seeking general information.

Estrogen plays a huge role in endometriosis. If you have endometriosis, high levels of this hormone may promote and increase inflammation, trigger pain and stomach issues.

Endometriosis is one of the few estrogen-dominant conditions that affects 1 out of 10 women worldwide. Others include;

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Breast cancer
  • Uterine cancer
  • Fibroids, noncancerous uterine tumors

Sadly, there’s no cure to endometriosis and there’s limited treatment available. Usually in the extremes such as operation or removal of ovaries or uterus. On the onset of corona virus pandemic, I was introduced to gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist treatment. This is to induce temporary menopause and targets the decrease in the size of implants or adhesions.

It was quite effective, ovarian cysts became smaller and both ovaries now visible in the recent ultrasound with the loosening of adhesions. A bittersweet management for endo as one of the major side effects of GnRH treatment is an increase in anxiety and depression. This may be due to the dramatic drop in estrogen levels caused by these meds or from the imbalance itself.

And so this is expected, we can turn out to be a beautiful mess of writhing emotions – quoting the book I’m currently reading. Dealing with physical, mental and emotional, as if everything now is a struggle…

To all endowarriors dealing with depression, i feel you…

Posted in life

Endometriosis 2022 update

Posted on by M Artisans

More than a decade ago, I was first diagnosed with endometriosis and then adenomyosis. Two similar medical terms, both are giving pain and suffering to millions of women worldwide.

Endometriosis is often equated with period pain but it is much more than period pain. It’s a chronic condition and many lack awareness and resources to help them with this disease.

A term was coined – “endowarrior”. Many organizations are built to raise awareness and spread word about endometriosis. And help fellow sufferers in their journey.

There’s power in weakness / pain – a life motto that I cling to. A decade long of this indescribable pain and suffering. Resounding symptoms of pain, stomach upset, bloatedness, body weakness and recently low mood. My last ultrasound revealed progressive adenomyosis and adenomyoma, reoccuring hydrosalpinx and ovarian cysts.

An endometriosis journey can be described as trailing down a long dark road without any maps, tools, or light to help guide the way. A journey without being understood or heard. At least, that has been my experience.

– Marisol Velez

Proud of our endo-community in Instagram, endowarriors give each other support and advices. After 10 years of TTC (trying to conceive) and enormous amount of pain, I’ve decided to just have everything removed. Yes, one tough decision that endowarriors go through… 😦

Posted in life

Dysthymia

Posted on by M Artisans

During our Psychology Class by Yale University, I first encountered the term Dysthymia.

Under Mood Disorder – Dysthymia or Persistent Depressive Disorder PDD (dis-THIE-me-uh), is a continuous long-term (chronic) form of depression.

In this book I’m currently reading – I want to die but I want to eat tteobokki, this term was mentioned and I hurried to my notes to review.

Endometriosis contributes immensely to my case. Depression affects women twice as often as men regardless of having endometriosis or not.

The association between endometriosis and psychological disorders has been reported in several previous studies, with depression and anxiety being the most common conditions. The incidence of such symptoms is higher in women with endometriosis than in any other gynecological condition.

– EndometriosisNews.com

According to John Hopkins Medicine – Depression is a mood disorder that involves your body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, think about things, and feel about yourself. It’s not the same as being unhappy or in a “blue” mood. It’s not a sign of weakness or something that can be willed or wished away. People with depression can’t “snap out of it” and get better.

People experience depression in different ways. Symptoms may include:

  • Lasting sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Less ability to concentrate, think, and/or make decisions
  • Less energy
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Weight and/or appetite changes due to over- or under-eating
  • Changes in sleep patterns, such as fitful sleep, inability to sleep, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
  • Low self-esteem

To diagnose Dysthymia, a person must have a depressed mood for atleast 2 years (since it is persistent and long term). Or one year for children and adolescents, along with at least 2 of the above symptoms. The symptoms of this illness may look like other mental health conditions. Talk with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

*Disclaimer: This post does not intend to replace, dictate or fully define diagnosis and treatment by a qualified physician. It is intended only for informative purposes.

Posted in Family health, health

Sunscreen ingredients to avoid

Posted on by M Artisans

It is a must for endowarriors to take time and read every label both in food and skincare. And I think it’s also pertinent for healthy individuals to read labels as there are many chemicals that can cause diseases like cancer and cell damage.

Unfortunately, majority of sunscreens on the market today are more harmful than beneficial according to Huffpost. Sunscreens are designed to decrease your risk of skin cancer and allow you to enjoy the sun without worry. Modern day sunscreens have ingredients that may increase your risk of cancer and disrupt the functioning of your hormones.

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

The chemical oxybenzone permeates the skin, enters the bloodstream and imitates estrogen in the body. It can activate allergic reactions along with another harmful ingredient – retinyl palmitate.

Chemical suncreens that are potentially harmful to our health (in order of toxicity from highest to lowest);

  • benzene
  • oxybenzone
  • octinoxate
  • homosalate
  • octisalate
  • octocrylene
  • avobenzone

News of famous brands recalling their sunscreen were in several sites recently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention routinely detects oxybenzone in more than 96 percent of the American population. Study participants who reported using sunscreen have higher oxybenzone exposures (Zamoiski 2015).

Experst suggest to avoid sunscreens with chemicals mentioned above and prefer mineral sunscreens as it is said to be safer. Mineral or Physical sunscreens like titanium dioxide and iron oxide are the ingredients to look for in a good sunscreen.

Sharing the sunscreen products I have been using lately, still it’s to your discretion to be mindful of these carcinogenic warnings. Please know that this post is not a paid ad. These products use physical or mineral sunscreen thus avoiding exposure to carcinogenic chemicals like benzene.

  • Axis-Y Complete No-stress Physical Sunscreen SPF-50+ Pa++++
  • Frudia Green Cooling Sun gel
  • Dr. G Green Mild Sun SPF50+PA++++

Stay safe and healthy ❤

Posted in health, women’s health

my Endo story

Posted on by M Artisans

It’s been a while since I posted something about endometriosis. I was diagnosed about a decade a go and yes that long!!! but I’ve been suffering with dysmenorrhea since the start of my menstrual age.

Time to time, I get tired sharing my experiences in social media that only a few friends can relate. Sufferers like me can get frustrated and hopeless in finding a definite cure. I’m friends with fellow “endowarrior” and I admire them for passionately posting their journeys in social media.

As it is reported that 1 out of 10 women is affected, more than 11% of women between ages 15-44, and common in women in their 30s to 40s which makes it hard for them to conceive.

– womenshealth.gov

“This is why one of the biggest symptoms of endometriosis is – chronic inflammation.” – Dr. Berg

Endometriosis is a long-term condition and considered to be a chronic illness. One of the most painful and debilitating diseases. Our battle cry – “It is not just a period pain!”

I tried a myriad of herbal supplements and I’ve had various medical procedures, many of which I vaguely remember. Then I came across Doctor Eric Berg and his videos are practical. Sharing his video/s about endometriosis and would probably post more about women’s health again soon…

Hugs to all endowarriors ❤

Posted in health, natural medicine, women’s health

vitex on endometriosis

Posted on by M Artisans

Vitex or chasteberry is a female friendly herb that’s been used for centuries. It is proven effective and in scientific studies, too.

Vitex is one of the most popular herbal remedies for PMS and cramps. In fact, one study published in the Journal of Women’s Health & Gender-Based Medicine found that after being treated with vitex for three menstrual cycles, 93 percent of patients reported a decrease in the number of PMS symptoms or a complete end of PMS complaints. (1)

As with every herbal I take, I make sure I read reviews, facts, history and testimonies if there’s any. To lessen mistakes, wastage and to save money. Plus, I’m doing the homework for you, saving you time on research & mobile data, you’re welcome 🙂

If you are like me who’s in 1 out ten. Taking tried and tested herbs could be beneficial for us. To lessen symptoms, alleviate pains and discomfort, and help in normalizing of our hormones. I’m currently into injectable type of hormones (luprolex) and thus gives me menopausal like symptoms, the more reason I should take vitex together with my other supplements including Organic Spirulina, Vitamin B-complex, non-acidic vitamin C and Evening Primrose Oil.

Please keep in mind that vitex is not a hormone, it’s a medicinal plant or fruit that reminds our bodies to produce the actual hormone – progesterone.

There are other herbal remedies available and are mentioned in my previous post https://mypanoplies.com/2018/05/31/herbal-supplements-for-endometriosis/

Posted in Family health, health, health & fitness, natural medicine

the Best Anti-Inflammatories you should eat

Posted on by M Artisans

Inflammation is our body’s natural response as discussed in previous post – What are food – inflammatories? 

Here, we will talk about the best foods that fight inflammation.

 Whether you are an endo-sufferer or simply health-conscious, you will get some helpful recommendations in this post.

Nowadays, people get sick easily and there more cases of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Also known as modern-day metabolic diseases. My grandmother rarely falls ill because in their time they’re taught to eat veggies and fish.

Stress, environmental toxins, pandemic lack of sleep, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to inflammation.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of good nutrition. 

Even the bible have spoken a lot about it. “He gives food to every creature, His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:25

As promised here are the best anti-inflammatory foods;

  • green leafy vegetables

  • fruits like anti-oxidant rich berries

  • herbs and spices including turmeric, cinnamon, etc. 

  • spirulina

  • fish

  • whole grains

  • nuts

assorted vegetable lot
Pexels.com

*Broccoli is an example of cruciferous vegetables. It is highly nutritious and is rich in sulforaphane – an anti oxidant and anti-inflammatory that fights inflammation by reducing levels of cytokines and NF-kb. Sulforaphane is a sulfur-containing compound that gives it a bitter bite. Another superfood is spinach. No wonder it’s the favorite of popeye 🙂 Spinach is packed with anti-inflammatory carotenoids – pigments that give them it’s color (1,2)

*Fruits like berries are packed with anti-oxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Berries have anthocyanins which are effective anti-inflammatories and improve immunity. Polyphenols reduce the risk of chronic metabolical diseases and give the fruit its beautiful bright colors. (3)

abundance agriculture bananas batch
Pexels.com

*Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA & DHA. Great choices are wild salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel and anchovies. Omega-3 is mentioned in what to do when you have both endometriosis & adenomyosis (4)

 

close up cooking cuisine delicious
Pexels.com

*Whole grains are considered whole foods. Our stomach digest grains slowly, thereby minimising sudden spikes in blood sugar that promote inflammation. They are also a good source of magnesium. (5)

 

brown nut lot
Pexels.com

*Amino acid tryptophan on nuts lower pain sensitivity and examples of nuts are almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and so on. High in omega-3 fatty acids, some of the phytonutrients in walnuts are hard to find in other foods. (6)

 

almond nut organic unshelled
Pexels.com

Spirulina, turmeric and other herbals will be separately discussed in future post.

This type of assortment is very similar to a Mediterranean diet, while others call it Paleo diet. According to Harvard studies, chronic inflammation has been strongly linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression and Alzheimer’s.

Best way to fight inflammation is with a healthy diet. 

 

Articles:

https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-topics/nutrition

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18541602