Endometriosis is a long-term condition where the tissue that lines your uterus grows in other areas of your body. This can result in symptoms like intense pain, fatigue, and nausea.
Around 1 in 10 females in the United States have endometriosis, and there’s currently no cure. But treatment options, such as medication, surgery, and lifestyle measures, can help you manage the symptoms.
Medication options that address symptoms of endometriosis can range from pain relief drugs to hormone therapy.
OTC pain relief
Pain is a common symptom of endometriosis. It can occur
- during periods
- during and after sex
- while peeing and pooping
If you have endometriosis, you may have pain in the following areas of your body:
- pelvic area
- lower stomach
- lower back
Endometriosis causes pain in these areas of the body because, like the endometrial tissue lining your uterus, or womb, these growths outside your uterus also swell up and bleed during your period.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help lower the intensity of the pain.
Examples of OTC pain relievers include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as:
- ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin)
- naproxen (Aleve)
- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
These medications are typically pills that you swallow. The common side effects of NSAID medications can include:
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- constipation
- headaches
- dizziness
Not everyone with endometriosis will experience pain.
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Birth control pills
The birth control pill, also known as the combined contraceptive pill, contains the synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestogen (progestin).
Birth control pills can help reduce pain and cramps during your period because they control your ovulation, making your periods lighter and shorter.
A doctor may recommend taking birth control pills daily to treat endometriosis. Examples include ocella (Yasmin) and ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel (Marvelon)
Some side effects of birth control pills can include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- spotting between periods
- headaches
- changes in mood
Progestin-only medication
These birth control pills contain the synthetic hormone progestin. Progestin-only pills, such as norethindrone (Aygestin), prevent the release of eggs and thin the lining of the uterus.
Progestin-only pills may help ease symptoms because they can shorten your periods and make them lighter. This can prevent or reduce the pain that menstruation can cause.
You take progestin-only pills orally, and they are typically available under brand names, including:
A hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) like Mirena also provides progestin.
Some side can effects include:
- breast tenderness
- dizziness
- weight gain
- stomach pain
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs stop ovulation and periods by preventing your ovaries from making estrogen. This helps reduce the symptoms of endometriosis that usually come with your menstrual cycle.
Several forms GnRHs are available, such as pills, injections, or nasal sprays. Examples include:
- injections such as leuprolide (Lupron)
- nasal sprays such as buserelin (Suprecur)
GnRH analogs can cause side effects, such as:
- fatigue
- hot flashes
- weight gain
- fluid retention
Danazol
Danazol is a steroid that stops ovulation, which can prevent or reduce the processes that come with your menstrual cycle and trigger symptoms of endometriosis.
Danazol is available in pill form. The recommended dosage for mild endometriosis is two 100 or 200-mg tablets that you take twice a day. For moderate to severe endometriosis, a doctor might recommend you take 400 mg twice a day.
Some brand names of danazol include:
- Danocrine
- Danatrol
- Danoval
Some common side effects of danazol include:
- bloating
- vomiting
- nausea
- weight gain
- headaches
- joint pain
Other treatment options
Other treatment options for endometriosis include:
Surgery
You may require surgery to treat endometriosis if you have a severe form of the condition and medication and other options haven’t worked.
Surgical options for endometriosis can include:
- a laparoscopy to diagnose endometriosis and remove scaring and lesions
- a laparotomy to remove endometrial and scar tissue
- a partial or total hysterectomy to remove all or part of the uterus
A doctor will usually only suggest a hysterectomy if all other treatment options have not worked and you do not plan to carry a future pregnancy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting small needles into specific body areas to relieve pain and reduce tension.
Some research has shown that acupuncture can help relieve pain from endometriosis, but experts agree that more studies are needed. A 2023 study found that acupuncture effectively reduced pain from endometriosis. However, the pain relief only lasted as long as a person continued treatment.
Lifestyle strategies
Some lifestyle strategies can help with managing and reducing symptoms of endometriosis. These include:
- eating a nutritious, balanced diet
- exercising
- aromatherapy
- massages
When to seek medical help
Endometriosis is a painful and chronic condition that doesn’t have a cure. If the symptoms of endometriosis become challenging to manage and affect your day-to-day activities and quality of life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.
They can help find the best treatment route to manage your condition while considering additional factors, like whether you wish to become pregnant.
Summary
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of your body. This leads to pain and inflammation during your period.
Several types of medication can help address symptoms of endometriosis, such as
- OTC pain relievers
- birth control pills
- steroids
Complementary treatments include lifestyle strategies and acupuncture. You may require surgery if medication isn’t enough to manage endometriosis.
If you haven’t done so already, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about your symptoms and whether they affect your overall quality of life. Together, you can develop the best treatment plan to help you manage endometriosis symptoms.
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