Women’s Health Edition: Painful Periods? It Could be Endometriosis.

For many women, painful periods are something they learn to push through. 

A heating pad, pain reliever and a busy schedule can make it easy to brush symptoms aside. But when pain is severe, keeps coming back or starts interfering with daily life, it may be a sign of something more.  

Endometriosis affects an estimated 2-10% of American women between the ages of 25 and 40. It happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often on nearby pelvic organs and tissues. For some women, it can cause severe menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, bloating, heavy bleeding, pain during or after sex, painful bowel movements or urination during a menstrual cycle, and even infertility.  

“Painful periods are common, but they should not be debilitating,” said Dr. Jessica Cole, obstetrician and gynecologist at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women. “When pain is severe or begins affecting work, sleep or daily activities, it is worth having a conversation with your doctor.” 

One of the biggest challenges with endometriosis is that it often goes unrecognized for years. Many women assume their symptoms are just part of being a woman, while others may not realize that pelvic pain, digestive symptoms and fertility struggles can all be connected. That delay can keep women from getting the answers and relief they deserve.  

Although there is no known cure for endometriosis, treatment can help women manage symptoms and improve quality of life. For some, that may mean medication and hormonal therapy. For others, especially when pain is severe, symptoms persist or fertility concerns are involved, surgery may become an important part of care. Minimally invasive approaches such as laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery may be used to diagnose and treat endometriosis. These techniques allow physicians to see and treat affected areas through smaller incisions, helping some women move forward with a care plan designed around their symptoms and goals.  

“Surgery is not the right step for every patient, but for some women with endometriosis, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques can be an important treatment option,” said Dr. Cole. “Our goal is to help each patient find relief and understand the care options available to her.” 

For more information, visit lcmh.com.