There are many options open today
for the management of pain in women with endometriosis. These
include drug treatments, natural remedies, surgical procedures
such as pre-sacral neurectomy (PSN) and the LUNA procedure
in which nerves are severed to prevent pain, and lifestyle
alterations. All may help an individual to varying degrees.
Each person must try to maintain her own program for pain
management to suit her own symptoms and lifestyle. Some of
these options include:
• GnRH
agonists. A first-line treatment, oral or injected
gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists temporarily
cause female hormone levels to drop, which interrupts the
menstrual cycle and relieves pain.
Read an article from the Endometriosis Research Center concerning
the Use
of Lupron® et al as a Diagnostic Technique
(reproduced with permission)
• NSAIDs.
Short for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (aspirin,
naproxen and ibuprofen), they relieve pain from swelling.
• Progestins.
are the oldest drugs used for endometriosis. Can prevent ovulation
and reduce the risk for endometriosis because they include
luteinizing hormone (LH), one of the reproductive hormones
important in ovulation
• Antiprogestins:
reduce both estrogen and progesterone receptors
• Surgery.
minimal invasive surgical techniques that improve precision,
reduce patient discomfort and reduce recovery time. Laparoscopy
lets surgeons use heat, lasers or a surgical knife to remove
small tissue clumps. A laparotomy is a larger operation to
remove tissue throughout the abdomen. As a last resort, surgeons
sometimes perform a hysterectomy to remove the uterus, fallopian
tubes and ovaries.
• Alternative
medicine. With a doctor's guidance, some women
undergo acupuncture, immune system therapy or meditation to
ease pain.
• Lifestyle changes. Exercising, getting
enough sleep and eating well helps the body fight pain; a
heating pad or a hot bath can relieve discomfort.
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