Painful or irregular period might be an indication to underlying medical conditions such as endometriosis or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). While they are known to cause menstrual problems - what's the difference between the two?
In conjunction with Endometriosis Awareness month this March, Sunway Velocity Medical Center Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr Farah Leong Rahman and Dr Ashley Chung Soo Bee shared more information regarding endometriosis and PCOS, treatments and the steps that can be taken for better quality of life.
KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE
According to Dr Farah, the two diseases are different from one another in which PCOS occurs due to abnormal hormone levels in the body as well as high insulin levels.
"Among the common symptoms of PCOS are infrequent and irregular menstruation, weight gain, oily face, hair growth in unwanted places or acne problems caused by increasing production of male hormones," she said.
Meanwhile endometriosis is a disease when the endometrial tissue grown on the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, intestines or in rare cases, the lungs.
"The symptoms experienced by each woman may differ. They include experience painful menstruation, pain during or after sex or pain in the lower abdomen or back,” she added.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PCOS?
Endometriosis is more common compared to PCOS. It affects one in 10 women worldwide.
Dr Ashley explains women are at high risk of endometriosis when they are in their reproductive age phase.
A medical study in the United States has shown that genetics play a major factor for a woman to develop PCOS.
Over 25 to 30 per cent of women who suffer from PCOS have family members with the same disease.
"Family members of women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing similar metabolic abnormalities," she explained.
According to Dr Ashley, in some cases, patients can also suffer from both gynecological diseases at once.
Therefore, patients are advised to seek appropriate medical advice and assistance so that necessary treatment can be given.
CHANCES OF GETTING PREGNANT
Women with PCOS or endometriosis are able to get pregnant naturally. However, some may need medical help.
"For women with PCOS, they tend to experience irregular menstruation or infrequent menstruation. There is a lack of ovulation (release of eggs from the ovaries) which makes it difficult to identify their ovulation period.” "Women with endometriosis may have retroverted uterus, scar tissue around the ovaries and fallopian tubes that makes it difficult for pregnancy,” explains Dr Farah.
LONG-TERM EFFECTS
With endometriosis cysts found in various parts of the body such as the fallopian tubes, intestines, on, behind or around the uterus in the area between the vagina and rectum, the bleeding that occurs can cause pain, inflammation and scarring.
"Women should seek advice from a gynecologist if they have painful menstruation, frequent pain before, during, or after menstruation, feel pain or discomfort during sex, pain related to bowel and bladder movements or difficulty in conceiving because it may be due to endometriosis," said Dr Ashley.
Dr Ashley also explained that PCOS may differ for each woman in which some may experience milder symptoms while others may experience more severe symptoms.
"Once you are diagnosed with PCOS, the risk of having other long-term health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and psychological issues as well as uterine cancer is high.
"If you do not have your period for more than four months, please see a gynecologist for further examination," she added.
TREATMENT
Dr Farah shared that a cure for endometriosis and PCOS have yet to be found. However, there are medical methods that can reduce the symptoms experienced by patients.
"The main treatment for women with PCOS is lifestyle changes such as maintaining optimal weight, adopting a healthy and balanced eating pattern and exercising regularly." "Meanwhile, for women with endometriosis, the management and treatment of this disease depends on the severity of the symptoms and whether it disrupts the patient's quality of life on a daily basis.
"Another important thing to consider is whether a patient is planning to be pregnant or not. Surgery will be performed when medical treatment fails or if the symptoms of the disease cannot be reduced through medication,” she said.