Endometriosis after 40 years: how to recognize and treat the disease

Endometriosis — This is a disease that is most often diagnosed in women of reproductive age. In women after 40 years, it is less common, but it still happens and causes a lot of trouble. This is a pathological process, as a result of which endometrial tissues grow beyond the limits of the uterine mucosa. They can appear on the & nbsp; neck, in & nbsp; pipes, peritoneal tissues. Endometriosis after 40 years can cause tumors, so it is important to recognize and cure it in time.

• Why Endometriosis Occurs After 40: Common Causes
• Symptoms of the disease: when to sound the alarm
• Modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis
• Highlights on causes, symptoms, and treatment of endometriosis

Why Endometriosis Occurs After 40: Common Causes

Distinguish between genital and extragenital endometriosis. In the first case, endometrial cells are found only on the genitals, and in the second — grow beyond the limits of the reproductive system, can appear on the navel, intestines, bladder, kidneys and even lungs.

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Among the causes of the disease, the following are most often distinguished:

• Menstrual blood in peritoneum.If blood cells get into peritoneum, they can take root there and grow.

• Genetic predisposition. If your blood relatives are diagnosed with endometriosis, you are at risk. Heredity may not manifest itself in any way at reproductive age, but the risk of endometriosis after 40-50 years is high.

• Hormonal imbalance.

  In some cases, the hormonal background can change so that favorable conditions for endometriosis are created.

• Pre-menopausal period.

  When reproductive functions fade, hormonal levels change and the likelihood of developing endometriosis increases.

A woman's immune system is set up so that endometrial cells must die outside the uterus. But if there are disturbances in the work of the organism, it fails, and this leads to illness. After 40 years, immunity can be weakened due to chronic diseases, stress, hormonal changes before menopause. The result is endometriosis.

Pain after intercourse: main causes and ways to avoid Symptoms of the disease: when to sound the alarm

Endometriosis after 40 years may be asymptomatic, and this is the most unpleasant form of the disease, since a woman may not know about the problem for years. If symptoms appear, they may be:

• Pain in the lower abdomen.

  Usually they suddenly appear and disappear.

• Pain during and after intercourse.

  May be prolonged — up to several hours.

• Blood inclusions.

  Blood can appear both in vaginal secretions, and in urine, feces.

• Feeling unwell.

  May feel dizzy, feel weak, irritable.

The larger the size of the overgrown tissues, the higher the likelihood of the listed symptoms, and the pain is stronger.

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Where does the pain come from during menstruation Modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis

At the first alarming symptoms, you should consult a gynecologist. He will conduct an examination, prescribe a blood test to detect the CA-125 tumor marker (if necessary) and prescribe an additional examination. This may be colposcopy, hysteroscopy, biopsy, laparoscopy, colonoscopy or tomography, depending on the suggested endometriosis foci.

After the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the treatment. Sometimes there is no need for therapy, but more often you have to undergo a special course. It may include taking medications for various purposes:

• Painkillers.

  If the pain is severe, anesthetics are indispensable. Immunostimulants may also be required.

• Hormonal.

  Prescribe drugs containing hormones that bring the state of the body closer to menopause.

• Contraceptives.

  For women in the age a little over 40 years of age, oral contraception is prescribed to stop ovulation and relieve pain.

Some drugs have severe side effects, so they should not be taken without medical supervision. In parallel, you can use safe methods of traditional medicine: drink tea with calendula, viburnum and St. John's wort, make tampons with aloe, propolis and honey. It is important not to harm yourself and not try to replace the "grandmother's" drug treatment. recipes. Always consult a gynecologist.

Contraceptive pills after 40 years: pros and cons of drugs About the causes, symptoms and treatment of endometriosis

Endometriosis needs to be treated. If you try to ignore the disease, it can result in bleeding, the appearance of benign and malignant tumors.

Pain in stomach, blood — good cause for concern.
You should contact your doctor at the first sign of illness. They may appear when the tissues have already grown strongly.
Heredity matters. If a relative is diagnosed with endometriosis, a woman needs to be more attentive to her health.

Telegram If there is cause for concern, get an examination and confide in your gynecologist.

Take note: how to properly stop oral contraceptives