Episode 23 - What are the treatment options for endometriosis?

Have you heard of endometriosis before? It is often under diagnosis. It is a leading cause of ongoing pelvic pain. We have Dr. Deborah Ikhena-Abel, a reproductive endocrinologist at Kindbody here in Austin, Texas. Today, we will be talking about the treatment options for endometriosis. Let’s talk about what endometriosis is, what the symptoms are, how birth control can be helpful for treating endometriosis, non-birth control and non-medical treatment options for endometriosis, the relationship between endometriosis and infertility, and so much more! We hope that you find the information in this episode valuable. So please, give this episode a listen to empower yourself with knowledge regarding endometriosis! Let’s talk about:  0:35 – Introduction to today’s guest1:00 – What is a reproductive endocrinologist and what Dr. Deborah does1:42 – What is endometriosis 5:36 – The typical diagnosis for endometriosis 6:50 – Painful periods as a symptom of endometriosis and how painful periods are normalized 8:06 – Other symptoms of endometriosis 13:01 – Some non-birth control options for treating pain from endometriosis 17:33 – Why Dr. Deborah thinks birth control options are helpful for treating endometriosis19:45 – How long can you stay on the different options for treating endometriosis and their side effects 23:53 – Non-medical options for treating endometriosis especially for pain from endometriosis 29:53 – Discussion on the theory that endometriosis is a form of an autoimmune disease30:53 – Discussion on endometriosis and infertility33:32 – How treatment goes for the patients of Dr. Deborah who are experiencing pain from endometriosis and wants to get pregnant 40:54 – Discussion on patients who have blocked fallopian tubes 42:49 – When does Dr. Deborah decide that surgery is the best option for treating pain from endometriosis and infertility46:33 – Some helpful things to help with pain from endometriosis 48:07 – Importance of looking at all other aspects to address different types of pain and how we feel in our body 54:52 – Conclusion: Dr. Deborah’s take on why she thinks endometriosis is often misdiagnosedIf you want to know more about Dr. Deborah and the work she does, follow her on Instagram. Want support for perimenopause that goes beyond hormones?Whether you (or your clients) are taking HRT but still having symptoms, not ready for it, or can’t tolerate it...there’s more we can do.I’ll be sharing practical tools from a movement and rehab perspective, focusing on the nervous system, fascia, lymph, viscera, and musculoskeletal system.If you want updates on workshops, resources, and strategies to support this phase of life more fully, would love you to join my email list.Subscribe to my email list hereI’ll see you in 2 weeks!PS:If you are interested in being a guest on the show, please fill out the form here.