Agencies
Services
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month
Endometriosis in Teens: What You Need to Know
If your teen struggles with painful, heavy periods, she could be like at least 1 in 10 women in the United States who struggle with endometriosis. Endometriosis causes the lining of your uterus (the endometrium) to grow in tissues other than the uterus, causing severe cramping, heavy bleeding, abnormal bleeding,potting, clotting, and digestive trouble.
While endometriosis in the teen years is similar to endometriosis in women, adolescents have unique concerns, as their bodies are still growing. Take a moment to learn what you need to know about endometriosis in teenage girls.
Because endometriosis causes the endometrial tissue that lines your uterus to grow outside the uterus, it can cause significant pain. That’s because when you get your period each month, this misplaced tissue still thickens and tries to break down the way it normally would if it were in your uterus.
Since it can’t leave your body as it does when you get your period, this misplaced endometrial tissue causes inflammation and irritation. Over time, scar tissue (called adhesions) forms. In some women, endometriosis and the scar tissue it causes can lead to problems with fertility.
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Problematic periods (extreme cramps, heavy bleeding, clots, spotting between cycles)
- Persistent pain in the abdomen, back, or pelvic area
- Unexplained gastrointestinal problems (constipation, diarrhea, cramping, seeing blood when going to the bathroom, and pain when going to the bathroom)
Many women diagnosed with endometriosis report that their symptoms started in their teen years, before age 15. But since endometriosis shares some symptoms with normal periods, it’s often difficult for teens to know when something is wrong.
Cramps and discomfort are normal for the first day or two of your period. Over-the-counter painkillers should help you get through your day.
It’s time to consult an adolescent GYN specialist like Dr. Morales when the pain your teen experiences:
- Makes her unable to go to school or carry out other activities (like sports, clubs, social events)
- Happens before or after the first few days of her period
- Doesn’t improve with OTC painkillers
In other words, when the pain is severe and interferes with life, a gynecologic visit is warranted.
Some factors put certain teens at higher risk of developing endometriosis. Knowing these factors, along with the symptoms of endometriosis, can help you get your teen diagnosed sooner so that effective treatment can begin. While scientists are still researching how and why women develop endometriosis, there is sound evidence that it runs in families. In addition, current research studies show girls who started their periods at a very young age, who have a low body mass index, or who have an autoimmune disease are at higher risk of having endometriosis.
Diagnosing this disease involves reviewing your teen’s symptoms and medical history and noting how your teen’s symptoms respond to prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medicine. Sometimes it’s helpful to keep a pain diary or record of your symptoms, including:
- Description of the pain
- Severity of the pain
- Location of the pain
- How long your pain lasts
If you’re concerned about teen endometriosis, contact their doctor and make an appointment to discuss symptoms.
To access the full article on endometriosis in teens, click here.
Useful links:
