http://goodmedicine.ninemsn.com.au/g...seases/131.asp
Endometriosis used to be called the professional woman's disease because it mainly affected older, childless women. It affects between 15 and 25 percent of menstruating women and is closely linked with infertility. For many women it is an excruciatingly painful condition, but for some it may not present with any obvious symptoms but still cause problems with infertility. Symptoms may include severe pain during menstruation, pain during intercourse, very heavy or irregular bleeding, swollen abdomen, low energy levels and extreme tiredness, back and bowel pain.
Endometriosis is when the lining cells of the uterus grow outside it, such as on the bowel, ovaries or bladder. These deposits irritate the pelvis, causing painful symptoms. There is only one way to diagnose the disease: an operation called a laparoscopy. A small incision is made in the navel and a long telescope is inserted into the abdominal cavity.
Treatment will depend on how severe the symptoms are, the patient's age and whether she plans to conceive.
Hormone therapy prevents both ovulation and menstruation. There is a range of hormonal treatments including:
Gestrinone - synthetic hormone.
Contraceptive pill - suppresses ovulation.
Danazol - synthetic steroid that suppresses periods.
Duphaston and Provera - synthetic progesterone-like drugs.
GNRH analogues (brands = Zolodex, Syneral) - mimics temporary menopause.
There are two operations for surgery:
Conservative surgery - removal of endometrial implants and scar tissue by laser or heat. Reduces symptoms and may improve fertility, but endometriosis can reoccur within 12 months in 20 percent of women.
Radical surgery - full or partial hysterectomy. HRT is often necessary to avoid symptoms of menopause if the ovaries are also removed.
For further information, please contact:
Endometriosis support groups/associations:
NSW: (02) 9339 4226, (02) 4655 2928
ACT: (02) 6251 3131
QLD: (07) 3836 3752
SA: (08) 8832 2264
TAS: (03) 6248 9413
VIC: (03) 9870 0536
WA: (09) 380 4194
Endometriosis Association NSW
Belle Browne
(02) 9369 2642
-Tinker-Belle-@msn.com.au 
Endometriosis 
