Indian-American writer and model Padma Lakshmi has shared her personal struggle with endometriosis, a painful condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Speaking at the Simmons Leadership Conference in Boston, US, the best-selling author revealed that she first experienced symptoms at the age of 13, but wasn’t properly diagnosed until she was 36. “Nobody wants to call into work saying, ‘I have my period, I can’t come in.’ That was mortifying to me. I lost so many jobs. I didn’t do well on some exams. I wasn’t there for my family,” the 54-year-old said.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissues similar to the uterine lining develop outside the uterus, affecting ovaries, fallopian tubes and other organs. This can lead to chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility. It often begins with the first menstrual period and continues until menopause. The growing tissue causes inflammation and can result in scar tissues in the pelvic area and in rare cases, other parts of the body.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis affects roughly about 190 million women and girls of reproductive age globally.
Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis often leads to intense pelvic pain, especially during periods, sex or during urination, as per the WHO. Other symptoms include heavy bleeding during periods, difficulty getting pregnant, nausea, bloating, fatigue and emotional distress.
Some may not experience any symptoms at all. Individuals with symptoms may not be aware of the condition. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the varying nature of symptoms.
Causes
Endometriosis is a complex condition with several potential causes. According to WHO, retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows back into the pelvic cavity, may lead to endometrial cells to grow outside the uterus. Other possible causes include cellular changes that transform cells into endometrial-like tissue and the role of stem cells spreading the disease.
Treatment for Endometriosis
Treatment for endometriosis often involves a combination of approaches. Surgery, including laparoscopic excision of endometrial implants or more extensive procedures to remove damaged tissue, can relieve pain and improve fertility. Pain management with over-the-counter or prescription medications helps control pelvic discomfort. Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills or progestin treatment, can also alleviate symptoms by regulating or stopping menstrual cycles.
Delay in Diagnosis of Endometriosis
According to a report in The National, women with endometriosis can experience delays of up to 20 years before the disease is diagnosed. These delays often happened from vague symptoms or lack of awareness within the community. Dr Preeti Tandon, a consultant gynaecologist at Fakeeh University said that about 10 to 15% of young girls and women visiting her clinic have been diagnosed with endometriosis. Dr Tandon, who has been working for 10 years in the UAE, said that “there has been a significant increase in the number of women being diagnosed” in recent years. “With increasing awareness, more and more younger women are visiting with pain symptoms and being diagnosed with endometriosis,” she told The National.
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