A Diagnosis That May Explain Everything
As I write this blog, I’m in the middle of figuring out a health issue that I thought was GI-related. Turns out, it may not be a GI issue, it may be endometriosis. I won’t know for another month or so if it is endometriosis, but even if it’s not, I think it’s important to share why my doctor suspects it is.
For almost a year, I’ve been experiencing chronic bloating, and after focusing on gut health and detoxing, there have been zero improvements. After sitting with my doctor for over an hour, he recommended that I get tested for endometriosis. I’ve heard of endometriosis but nobody ever suspected it until now, which I attribute to my doctor going through my entire health history (I’m talking from birth until now), and actually listening to my symptoms and the work I’m already doing.
Here is what indicated to him that it may not be gut-related:
My bloating is constant. It’s there when I wake up and it’s there no matter what I eat or don’t eat. My bloating is below my belly button and does not come with other GI symptoms (i.e. excessive gas and burping, constipation, etc.).
I have major cramps right before my period and during the first day. They are the type of cramps that make you want to call in sick.
My periods are very heavy at the beginning of my cycle, dwindling to almost nothing during the last few days.
It never occurred to me that the last two symptoms were not “normal”. From a young age, women are taught that we will have cramps and our periods will fluctuate as we get older. So, I simply dealt with my cramps and attributed the changes in my cycle to getting older.
Endometriosis is often missed as a diagnosis because the symptoms mirror that of GI issues. When I was 17, I was diagnosed with IBS (which isn’t a real diagnosis) and now I’m wondering if I’ve had endometriosis for years but never experienced major, chronic symptoms until now. Symptoms of endometriosis look different for everyone, but the most common ones are below. The complete list of symptoms can be found here.
Painful periods
Heavy periods
Painful intercourse
Constipation or diarrhea
Chronic fatigue
Bloating
If you’re having similar symptoms, it may be worth talking to your doctor about getting tested for endometriosis. Knowing your body and having awareness of conditions like this is so important because the symptoms mirror other conditions, leaving endometriosis to be overlooked. Keep learning more about your body and advocate for yourself until you find a doctor who listens and aligns with you on a path forward.
As I wait to meet with the specialist, I’m focusing on being still, doing things that bring me joy, and showing myself grace when I don’t have the energy to give 100% every day. Once I have some answers (and more energy), I will share more!
Hope you stay healthy and self-aware.
*This article is shared for educational purposes only. Please consult with your doctor on how to diagnosis the symptoms you are experiencing.
Photo by Yuris Alhumaydy on Unsplash