Severe menstrual pain with digestive issues may signal endometriosis, doctor warns

Severe menstrual pain, accompanied by recurrent diarrhea and bloating, could be a sign of endometriosis rather than a simple gastrointestinal problem, according to a leading gynecologist. Dr. He Zhenyu from Shin Kong Hospital emphasizes that these symptoms, especially when they intensify with each period, warrant medical attention for potential gynecological conditions.

Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining implants outside the uterus, often on ovaries, pelvic structures, intestines, or even the bladder. This misplaced tissue bleeds and causes inflammation during the menstrual cycle, leading to pain and adhesions.

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If symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating always occur with the menstrual cycle, and even menstrual pain is getting worse, the real cause may not be a gastrointestinal problem, but a gynecological disease.

Dr. He outlines five common warning signs of endometriosis. These include increasingly severe menstrual cramps that may require painkillers and interfere with daily life, chronic pelvic pain that can occur outside of menstruation, abnormal uterine bleeding such as prolonged periods or spotting between periods, and pain during bowel movements or urination, particularly if the condition affects the intestines or bladder. Infertility can also be a consequence of the chronic inflammation and pelvic adhesions associated with endometriosis.

Treatment for endometriosis varies depending on the severity of pain, location of the implants, and the patient's reproductive goals. Dr. He notes that surgery is not always necessary, and many patients can manage the condition effectively with hormonal medication and consistent monitoring. Lifestyle adjustments, such as reducing intake of fried and processed foods, avoiding smoking, limiting high-sugar diets during menstruation, and abstaining from sexual activity during painful periods, are also recommended. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent the worsening of pain and potential impacts on future fertility plans.

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The core problem of endometriosis is a 'chronic inflammatory environment'. If you find diarrhea and blood in your stool during your period, you should be highly vigilant. Severe menstrual pain is also not a normal phenomenon.