Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Endometriosis

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an often-painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus, the endometrium, grows outside the uterus.

Insight:

• Endometriosis most commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. Rarely, endometrial-like tissue may be found beyond the area where pelvic organs are located.
• Symptoms include painful periods, pain with intercourse, pain with bowel movements or urination, excessive bleeding, and infertility.
• Causes may include retrograde menstruation, transformation of peritoneal cells, embryonic cell transformation, surgical scar implantation, endometrial cell transport, and immune system disorder.
• Risk factors may include never giving birth, starting period at early age, short menstrual cycles, low body mass index, and disorders of the reproductive tract.
• Diagnostic tools may include pelvic exam, ultrasound, MRI, laparoscopy.
• Treatment may include pain medications, such as Advil, ibuprofen, hormone therapy, including hormonal contraceptives, surgery, fertility treatment, and hysterectomy.

Sources:

• Endometriosis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
• endometriosis - Google Search