Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside of the uterine cavity (such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic structures). This tissue responds to the hormones that trigger the menstrual cycle so thickens and sheds like the cells found in the uterus.
This causes symptoms such as:
Severe pain during menstruation
Heavy bleeding (having to change a pad or tampon every one to two hours)
Bloating
Diarrhea
Constipation
Bladder issues
Pain associated with sexual intercourse
Infertility.
Pain may also occur at other times of the month or around the time of ovulation.
The exact prevalence of endometriosis is difficult to determine because many women do not realize they have endometriosis. There is often a time lag of several years between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis (average time eight or more years). It tends to run in families and most women will have a female relative with endometriosis, although they may not realize this because of a reluctance by some women to disclose menstruation-related problems.
Endometriosis Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have endometriosis make an appointment with a doctor with good clinical knowledge of the condition.
Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms and your menstrual cycle. Before making a diagnosis of endometriosis it is important to rule out other conditions such as:
pelvic inflammatory disease
ovarian cysts
irritable bowel syndrome
fibroids (leiomyomas)
adenomyosis
interstitial cystitis.
A transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) may be performed; however, to definitively diagnose endometriosis, a laparoscopy must be performed. This is a thin scope that is inserted through a small incision in the abdominal wall (often around the belly button area) to view the pelvic area. It allows the surgeon to see misplaced endometrial tissue and allows staging of the disease (location, extent, depth of tissue growths). Abnormal tissue may be removed for biopsy during the procedure.
Other procedures for diagnosis may include computed tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Endometriosis Treatment
Treatment for endometriosis depends on the severity but may include:
Hormonal contraceptives (cyclic or continuous, usually oral, such as birth control pills; also patches and vaginal rings)
NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for pain, which can be used with contraceptives for more moderate pain
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) analogs
Progestins, like medroxyprogesterone or norethindrone.
Drugs used to treat Endometriosis
The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity
Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx
Prescription only.
OTC
Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC
Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label
This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA
An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access
Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N
FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M
The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U
CSA Schedule is unknown.
N
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1
Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2
Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3
Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5
Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X
Interacts with Alcohol.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
