Endometriosis Pain Relief

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines a woman's uterus starts to grow in other areas such as on the ovaries or in the Fallopian tubes, as well as on the tissues lining the pelvic region. The uterus grows this lining each month to potentially nourish a baby. If the woman doesn't get pregnant, it sheds the bloody lining. When the tissue grows in the wrong places, it still sheds blood. This can cause inflammation and lead to the development of cysts and adhesions. The condition can be very painful, especially during a woman's period.

Pain Medication

• Some endometriosis pain can be controlled through the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, particularly in mild to moderate cases. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most commonly used medicaton is ibuprofen. It can be taken up to the maximum allowable dose.

Hormone Treatment

• Hormones in various forms are often used to treat endometriosis when pain relievers are not effective. Birth control pills are often effective for controlling pain in mild to moderate endometriosis.

  In more severe cases, the Mayo Clinic says that gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists can be used to lower a woman's estrogen level, prevent menstruation and shrink the pockets of endometrial tissue. Danazol and medroxyprogesteron produce a similar effect. Aromatase inhibitors lower estrogen levels, which stops endometrial growth.

Surgery

• Severe cases of endometriosis may require surgery to relieve the pain. Endometrial tissue can be removed laparoscopically or through traditional surgery, depending on the extent of the growth.

  If the endometriosis is particularly severe and a woman doesn't want to become pregnant, the Mayo Clinic says a total hysterectomy may be performed. This surgery relieves the pain, and removal of the ovaries ensures that the endometriosis will not return later.