The Violet Petal Study recruited patients for a one- to two-year long study to determine the effectiveness of a drug called Elagolix. Lead researcher Sanjay Agarwal said, “Endometriosis can be an extremely painful disease, especially during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Many women find themselves debilitated during these bouts, and the disease can also cause pain during intercourse and increase infertility.”
Current treatments involve injections to lower estrogen, but this can result in bone loss, mood swings, and hot flashes. Agarwal added, “Many patients have to take a secondary medication to counteract the side effects from current treatment options. The hope with Elagolix, taken daily, is to suppress estrogen just enough to take away the pain associated with endometriosis but without the harsh side effects to the body.”
There is currently no cure for endometriosis, and treatment is usually needed until a woman enters menopause.
Endometriosis pain relief
Severe pelvic and back pain is common symptoms experienced in endometriosis and although uncomfortable, there are ways you can reduce it in order to be able to go about your everyday life. Here are some tips to experience relief from endometriosis-related pain.
- Apply heat packs
- Reduce stress
- Use over-the-counter painkillers
- Try physiotherapy
- Use pain modifiers – drugs that alter the body’s perception of pain
- Visit pain clinics that specialize in chronic pain and pain reduction
- Exercise
- Get proper sleep
- Take naps when necessary
- Eat healthy meals
- Keep close connections with loved ones
- Try yoga
- Stick to a routine
- Talk to a counselor
Practicing some of these tips and working close with your doctor can help you obtain the relief you need to live with endometriosis.
Related Reading:
Endometriosis, a chronic disorder in women, causes, symptoms, and natural treatment
Endometriosis is a painful condition that affects an estimated one in 10 women during their reproductive years. Statistical studies show this works out to about 176 million women around the world between the ages of 15 and 49. Continue reading…
Endometriosis increases risk of pregnancy complications, affects fertility in women
Endometriosis increases the risk of pregnancy complications and affects fertility in women. Study author Dr. Lucky Saraswat said, “These results indicate that endometriosis predisposes women to an increased risk of early pregnancy loss and later pregnancy complications.” Continue reading…
Sources:
https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/pain-relief-endometriosis
http://youngwomenshealth.org/2014/08/01/endometriosis-coping-with-pain/
http://health.ucsd.edu/news/releases/Pages/2012-10-08-study-tests-endometriosis-treatment.aspx