Endometriosis is sometimes mistaken for a normal cycle that occurs before menstruation, but it is not. It is often confused with period bloating, which occurs in women a day or two before the start of their menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis is a disease in which uterine tissue begins to grow on other parts of the body other than the uterus. The uterine tissue does not belong outside of the uterus, and when periods begin, the cells begin to bleed as well, and the blood becomes trapped inside your body, causing pain.
Endometriosis belly, on the other hand, is a topic that is rarely discussed. Endometriosis belly is a term used to describe the painful swelling and bloating associated with endometriosis.
This article delves into the causes of endometriosis belly, the symptoms associated with it, and the treatment options available.
What Causes Endometriosis Belly?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to that found in the uterus grows outside of it, typically on top of the uterus. Every month, the tissue must break down, and when it does, it bleeds in the same way that the uterine lining does.
The tissue must be released after it has broken down in order to leave the body. However, because the tissue that grows outside the uterus is trapped, it causes inflammation and the formation of scar tissue where it is located.
The surrounding tissue will form a scar and may cause the tissue inside the pelvis to stick together. Bloating and fluid retention will occur, and a study of endometriosis patients found that 96 percent of endometriosis patients experience belly bloating.
The term “endometriosis belly” refers to the painful swelling and bloating caused by endometriosis. However, the term remains unofficial, but it is used by researchers, practitioners, and others.
Here are some of the causes of abdominal bloating caused by endometriosis:
- Endometriosis causes digestive problems such as constipation and gas.
- Endometriosis is prone to fibroid formation, which can cause bloating.
- Endometrial-like tissue may cover or grow into the ovaries, causing trapped blood to form cysts that cause bloating.
- Endometrial-like tissue buildup can cause inflammation in the abdomen, resulting in swelling, water retention, and bloating.
Now that we’ve discussed the causes of an endometriosis belly, let’s dig deeper and look at the symptoms of an endometriosis belly.
Symptoms of Endometriosis Belly
Endometriosis belly is primarily associated with abdominal bloating. However, pain and inflammation are common endo belly symptoms. Bloating usually occurs in the lower abdomen.
The abdomen gets swollen due to gas or air, it then appears much larger than usual. As a result, the abdominal will feel tight and swollen. When this happens, some women report that they feel pregnant.
Endometriosis belly takes place prior to or during a menstrual period. The duration that it will take to recover varies from person to person, but it may take a few hours for some and a few weeks for others.
Endometriosis belly is the most visible symptom of endometriosis; however, there are other, less visible symptoms that include:
- Nausea,
- Gas pains,
- Bloating,
- Diarrhea,
- Constipation, and
- Cramps.
Given the symptoms and the knowledge that has been achieved thus far, endo belly can be treated. Below we discuss some of the treatment methods that can be used to treat endometriosis belly.
Treatment Of Endometriosis Belly
There are several methods for treating endometriosis belly, but there is no official method. Various methods can be used to treat endometriosis belly through trial and error until a viable solution is found.
The following are the recommended endometriosis belly treatments.
Hormonal Supplements: Hormonal supplements will assist in the regulation of monthly hormonal changes, particularly during periods, in order to promote tissue growth outside the uterus. As a result, you will not be diagnosed with endometriosis because tissue will grow in the uterus instead.
Try an anti-inflammatory diet: An anti-inflammatory diet can help with bloating, which is one of the symptoms of endometriosis. Speak to a dietician to develop a anti-inflammatory diet plan that works for you.
Pain relievers: Try over-the-counter medications to alleviate the pain associated with endometriosis belly. Speak to a doctor so that you can get prescribed pain-relieving medication.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormones: this is a type of medication that can help to stop hormone production, tissue growth, and menstruation. The medication may aid in blocking the poduction of oestrogen.
Danazol: Danazol is a medication that helps to stop the production of hormones associated with menstrual cycles. The use of this drug may result in users having little or no period.
Conclusion
Endometriosis belly is a newer condition that is still being researched. The condition exists and can be treated with medications or nutraceuticals.
