Endometriosis: Scrambled Eggs and Killer Cramps
(lecture presented 10/29/02)
Endometriosis is a commong gynecologic disease. Tissues resembling the lining of the uterus
grows outside of the uterus, usually on the pelvic organs. Some women find out they have
endometriosis when they have trouble becoming pregnant. Others with endometriosis have
pelvic pain with their menstrual periods or with sex. The pain may be so severe that it
impacts on their quality of life, affecting their intimate relationships and day-to-day
activities. Some women don't have any symptoms from endometriosis. The treatments for
endometriosis are tailored to the woman's symptoms. Women with infertility may benefit from
surgery or other assisted reproductive techniques. Those with pain may benefit from surgery
or hormonal treatments, in addition to taking medications for pain relief. Medical research
on endometriosis continues to look into improving drug therapies and surgical treatments,
but because of the complexity of the disease, there may be a long way to go before finding
a cure. Dr. Stratton explained a study investigating whether
raloxifene will prevent the return of pain after surgical treatment of endometriosis.
What sets this research apart is the study of a designer estrogen, which blocks the body's
estrogen in the uterus and therefore may prevent the regrowth of endometriosis. The researchers
are also investigating other aspects of the disease such as quality of life.