Endometriosis Support Group Available

A support group for those affected by Endometriosis is available on Facebook, with the group working to raise awareness of the disease.

A spokesperson said, “Endometriosis, or endo, is a progressive disease where tissue similar to, but not the same as, the lining of the uterus, is found elsewhere throughout the body. Imagine a disease that affects 176 million women and girls around the world.

“A disease affecting 1 in 10 women and girls. It even affects men; although, this is very rare. A disease causing excruciating and often chronic pain, which is sometimes dismissed as being ‘in the woman’s head.’ A disease that takes between 7 to 10 years to be diagnosed. A disease with no cure.

“A disease whose treatment involves invasive surgeries and desperately cycling through hormonal treatments and painkillers to find some relief. A disease that can snatch women’s dreams of motherhood.”

“That disease is called endometriosis. Endometriosis, or endo, is a progressive disease where tissue similar to, but not the same as, the lining of the uterus, is found elsewhere throughout the body. Endo is a whole body disease and endometriosis implants have been found in all of the organs in the body [except for the spleen], including the brain and eyes. Endo is commonly associated with severe menstrual cramps, but this is only one of its many variable symptoms.

“Depending on the location of the endo implants, endometriosis can cause severe and chronic pelvic, back, hip and sciatic pain. Endometriosis can also infiltrate the diaphragm and lungs, causing lung collapse, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Silent endometriosis of the ureter can also cause kidney dysfunction.

“Bowel obstruction, painful bloating, heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding, as well as chronic fatigue are some further symptoms of endo. Unfortunately, women with endometriosis often find themselves labelled as attention-seekers, who are just oversensitive to menstrual cramps, which leads to their symptoms being dismissed and a delayed diagnosis. This can ultimately impact their fertility, as the disease progresses. Timely and early diagnosis, as well as management of endometriosis is essential to prevent the progression of endo.

“Endometriosis significantly impacts women’s quality of life, impairing their intimate, social and work lives. It is also often associated with depression and anxiety. As women fighting endometriosis, we invite other women with endo to join our support group on Facebook, which is called ‘Endometriosis Bermuda.’ March is endometriosis awareness month, so we encourage everyone to share this article and short video to get the word out and maybe even help women to discover that what they’re suffering from is endometriosis.”

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