Gynecologist

Endometriosis is a painful disorder under which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus starts growing outside the uterus. Endometriosis commonly involves ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue that lines the pelvis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of endometriosis include:

Painful periods, Pain with intercourse, Pain with bowel movements or urination, Excessive bleeding in periods, Infertility, Other symptoms like nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or fatigue

Causes

The exact cause of endometriosis is not certain, but the possible explanations include:

Retrograde menstruation, Transformation of peritoneal cells, Embryonic cell transformation, Surgical scar implantation, Endometrial cells transport, Immune system disorder

Risk factors

There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing endometriosis. These include:

Never having given birth, Early age periods, Menopause at an older age, Short menstrual cycles, High levels of estrogen, Low body mass index, Alcohol consumption, One or more relatives with endometriosis, Medical conditions that prevent normal passage of menstrual flow, Uterine abnormalities

Complications

The main complications that may arise in patients suffering from endometriosis are:

Infertility, Ovarian cancer

Diagnosis

There are a few tests to check for any physical clues that signal endometriosis. These include:

Pelvic exam, Ultrasound, Laparoscopy

Treatment

The various treatments for endometriosis usually include either medications or surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms as well as your plans regarding pregnancy. Generally, conservative treatments are the first choice and surgery the last resort.

Pain medications, Hormone therapy – This is not a permanent fix as symptoms may return after stopping the treatment

Therapies used to treat endometriosis include: –

Hormonal contraceptives, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists, Progestin therapy, Danazol, Conservative surgery, Assisted reproductive technologie, Hysterectomy

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition of emotional, psychological and physical distress and disturbance that occur in women after ovulation and ends with the start of her menstrual flow. Most common symptoms include mood swings, acne, food cravings, tender breasts, bloating, fatigue, depression and irritation. Not every woman may experience PMS but most do and they tend to experience it in a predictable monthly pattern.

Causes:

The exact reason behind PMS is unknown but doctors believe that it’s related to the interactions between a woman’s sex hormones and brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Other predictable reasons may be:

Hormonal misbalance and fluctuations, Change in amount of serotonin, a brain chemical responsible for depression and sleep issues., Prevailing undiagnosed depression

Treatments

There are no specific treatments for PMS but the doctor may analyze the most affecting symptoms and provide a solution specific to that problem. Generally, you may be suggested one of the following:

Change in lifestyle habits like exercising, sleeping or eating patterns, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for breast discomfort and cramps, Hormonal contraceptives that relieve ovulation, Antidepressants in rare cases

While most women experience light symptoms, for some the symptoms may be severe enough to affect their regular functioning and concentration. This is known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and is time when you should see a gynaecologist.

PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian disease is a health condition in which poly or multiple cysts get formed in the ovaries. Cysts are small sacs filled with fluid. In PCOD, a woman has abnormal levels of hormones that can cause problems with menses and make it difficult to get pregnant. PCOD may also cause unwanted changes to the body making the woman develop masculine features.

If PCOD is not treated, it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.

What causes PCOD?

The exact cause of PCOD is not known, yet it is believed that hormonal imbalances and genetics are the main causes. Women whose mother or sister also has PCOD, have more chances of developing it.

What are the symptoms of PCOD?

The symptoms of PCOD include –

Irregular periods, Oily skin, acne and dandruff, Weight gain and difficulty in losing weight, Hair thinning, Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, back, Infertility and miscarriage, Depression, High blood pressure, Diabetes

How is PCOD diagnosed?

There is no specific test to diagnose PCOD. However, to diagnose the condition the doctor will evaluate the patient’s medical history and symptoms and also perform tests to eliminate other possible conditions.

Tests that can be performed to diagnose PCOD include –

Physical and pelvic examination can also be done to look for signs such as swollen ovaries or a swollen clitoris, Blood tests are done to measure whether the hormone levels are balanced, Thyroid function tests to check the thyroid hormone levels, Fasting glucose tests to measure sugar levels in blood, Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, back, Lipid level tests to check cholesterol in blood, Vaginal ultrasound