Whereas endometriosis is a complex hormonal and immune chronic disease causing multiple symptoms, including pain, which disrupt the lives of an estimated 89 million women and girls worldwide; Whereas there is no known cure for endometriosis and treatments are often problematic; Whereas lack of knowledge of the disease combined with stigma causes an average delay of ten years from onset of symptoms to diagnosis;
Whereas women, girls with endometriosis and their families have been shown to be at greater risk for 12 cancers, 7 autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, and heart disease; Whereas there is a great need for further awareness, education, and research on endometriosis and its related health disorders; Whereas the Endometriosis Association is a nonprofit charity, founded in 1980, providing support for families affected by endometriosis, education about the disease, and research on the disease;
Whereas the Endometriosis Association began March, Endometriosis Awareness Month in 1993 and has seen it develop into a worldwide observance;
NOW THERFORE, we do hereby declare March, 2022, as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
Top 10 Facts Every Woman Should Know About Endometriosis
1.) Period pain is NOT normal.
2.) This disease affects women all across the world regardless of race, class or socioeconomic status.
3.) Endo can start very young. Many of our members report that they have had symptoms since their very first period.
4.) Endo is primarily an imbalance in the immune and endocrine (hormone) systems. The presence of lesions in the pelvis is the tip of the iceberg.
5.) Endo is not completely cured by surgery alone. The underlying environment throughout the whole body must be addressed in order for the woman’s health to be truly improved and to hopefully avoid other health problems related to endo.
6.) Endo is not cured by pregnancy. Some women do have relief of symptoms during or after a pregnancy, but others have worsening. A woman should never be pressured into having a baby as a “treatment” for a medical condition.
7.) Environmental toxicity plays a critical role in the development of endo. The EA discovered in its original research that dioxin can lead to the disease. Dioxins are found in pesticides and contaminated food grown with pesticides. (Eat organic―see the Environmental Working Group’s site, www.ewg.org for the “Dirty Dozen” most contaminated foods.)
8.) Many other health conditions are found at higher rates in women with endo: irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, allergies, intestinal dysbiosis, hypothyroidism. Plus a higher risk for numerous cancers, autoimmune diseases (such as MS, lupus, etc.) and heart disease.
9.) Diet and lifestyle changes do make a difference. While medications and surgeries are important options for women suffering with endo, it’s important to do what you can. Take your health into your own hands with the choices you make every day.
10.) The Endometriosis Association is working hard to make REAL CHANGE in the medical world so that women and girls with endo can have the very best care and treatment options available to them!
Source: https://endometriosisassn.org/top-10-facts-about-endo
