"Just take some Advil"

How often have you heard those words when you complained of killer cramps?

I remember vividly the first time I heard them. I was barely 17 years old. Here is my story: 

“Just take some Advil.” He says, barely glancing up from the notepad where he has been diligently taking notes for the past ten minutes. (I’m starting to wonder whether he is completing a crossword puzzle instead of listening to me.)

“No, really….” My 17 year-old-self answers. “They really hurt. Like I never get a period, but when I do, I am in the fetal position for, like, a day or two.”

“Yeah – It’s normal. Your body is just sorting itself out. Just take a few painkillers, every four hours. Anything else?”

I can’t think of anything else. I shrug and start getting my things, but my eyes are brimming with tears. I feel so frustrated. There has to be more to this story.

There was. There is. Close to ten years after that day, I was diagnosed with Endometriosis through a laparoscopy.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of cells similar to those that form the inside or lining the tissue of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. The cause of endometriosis is unknown. But it is said to affect as much as 7% of all women in their reproductive years. And it is one of the leading causes of infertility (as I found out much to my chagrin.)

Symptoms of Endometriosis

The symptoms of endometriosis are varied. But they include:

• Cramps• Painful menstruation• Irregular vaginal or uterine bleeding• Irregular vaginal clotting• Large, painful ovarian cysts called “chocolate cysts”• Infertility, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy• Pain during sex• Nausea/vomiting, gastrointestinal cramping, diarrhea/constipation, particularly during your period

One of the many outstanding features of Glow is that it actually responds to the different symptoms that you input daily to give you insights as to whether you may need to have a conversation with your doctor about endometriosis.

Treatment of Endometriosis

There are many different types of treatment for endometriosis. Please visit the site of Glows’ medical advisor, Dr. Seckin and his foundation, Endometriosis Foundation of America for more information.

But here are the key takeaways: Killer cramps are NOT normal. And Advil is NOT the answer.