National Endometriosis Awareness: Learn how endometriosis affects teenage girls

Across the world, females of all ages are suffering from endometriosis, a medical condition that affects the reproductive organs. While women ages 25-40 are some of the most affected by endometriosis, it's also not out of the ordinary for teenagers to develop this disease.

Endometriosis often causes women to have pain in their lower abdomen or belly where the uterus is located. Pain can occur before beginning a menstrual cycle or during a cycle. While symptoms vary, it's important that adolescents pay close attention to their body and its varying functions. Teenagers who have endometriosis typically complain of having painful periods. If your teen is experiencing period-related discomfort, you can begin to evaluate their symptoms by asking the following questions:

• When did your pain start? - Did you begin to have pain after your very first period, or did you gradually experience discomfort overtime?

• Do you have other symptoms relevant to your pain? - Does it hurt when going to the bathroom all the time or only during your cycle?

• Do you have nausea or vomiting during your cycle?

• Are you not able to engage in activities that you generally participate in while on your period?

Endometriosis can affect a teenage girl's lifestyle significantly. If your teen is having to consistently alter her life, such as canceling plans or not seeing friends because of her period, then it's time she seeks intervention from her provider. Her menstrual cycle shouldn't keep her from enjoying her life.

Adolescence is a time of transformation and growth while creating opportunities for teens to experience trials and tribulations. Nevertheless, dealing with endometriosis as a teenager can be quite difficult. For instance, many girls who suffer from endometriosis have more painful periods than their friends, which, in turn, can make them feel different. While adolescents with suspected or confirmed symptoms of endometriosis can feel embarrassed or self-conscious when discussing their period, it's important they're aware that being "different" isn't necessarily bad, and there are healthcare practitioners who are able to help.

At DuPage Medical Group, whenever patients engage with our medical team, they're able to form a unified partnership where trust, safety and compassionate care hold the highest priority. Consequently, communication serves as the bedrock to a healthy, thriving patient-provider relationship. To approach conversations about menstruation, adolescents should strive to have an open mind, willingness to ask questions and desire to demonstrate honesty and transparency.

As conversation starters, they can share documentation that outlines troublesome symptoms and menstrual cycle timing, including what has been done to try to relieve pain and whether these methods have been successful.

For instance, a patient can note, "I've noticed over the last ___ months, my period is getting worse. I'm missing one to two days of school a month and experience nausea during my cycle." Providers can then help patients navigate their symptoms so they can feel better mentally and physically.

While there are coping mechanisms to help manage endometriosis, every individual is unique. Usually, teens don't grow out of this condition until they reach menopause where the endometrium is no longer active. Therefore, treating endometriosis requires time and patience - both patients and providers regularly collaborate to develop a tailored plan. Some non-medication techniques include altering one's eating patterns or exercise regimen around or throughout a menstrual cycle.

To further prevent swelling and discomfort, pain relievers, such as Aleve or ibuprofen, can be utilized throughout the duration of a cycle or before starting a cycle to preload pain receptors. Birth control can be prescribed to stop ovulation or prevent the endometrium from getting too thick, decreasing menstrual bleeding. There are also specific medications to eliminate a period completely or surgery may be required to remove endometriosis tissue.

Endometriosis is a real disease, even for adolescents. When it comes to teenage girls' reproductive health, they should never be shamed or not taken seriously (even if they're showing normal ultrasounds or exams). With early action, direct communication and proper education, patients with endometriosis can live a healthy, pain-free life.

March is National Endometriosis Awareness month. DuPage Medical Group is committed to providing progressive, compassionate care for adults and pediatric patients. To learn more about DuPage Medical Group or to find a DuPage Medical Group provider near you, visit DuPageMedicalGroup.com.