Endo Battery Fast Charged: EP 5

Welcome to Endobattery Fast Charged, a series dedicated to keeping you informed and empowered in the realm of endometriosis. Teaming up with board-certified patient advocates, we bring you the latest articles, research and insights to equip you with accurate information and a deeper understanding. Whether you're expanding your knowledge, staying updated or seeking clarity, you're in the right place. I'm your host, alana, and is EndoBattery Fast Charged, charging and empowering your life with knowledge. Welcome back to another electrifying episode of EndoBattery Fast Charged. This week, we're not just serving up the usual dose of research and studies. We've got the potential for some mind-blowing insights and validation. Trust me, this episode was so validating it's practically giving me a pat on the back. But before we get too carried away, let's remember our old friend correlation does not equal causation, because, you know, just because your phone charges faster when it's upside down doesn't mean gravity is the key to battery life. This episode will be done at lightning speed, ensuring you will leave with a full charge. So buckle up and brace yourselves as we dive into the latest compilation of research and validation. Let's just start this good time off with this article named Postmenopausal Endometriosis a challenging condition beyond menopause. Oh boy, this is going to be fun, I told you validating. So here's what they found.

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Post-menopausal endometriosis is like that unexpected guest who decided to stick around long after the party's over, challenging our assumptions and keeping us on our toes. You see, for the longest time there was this belief floating around that once menopause hit, endometriosis would gracefully bow out of the picture. In fact, for some people this is still very much a belief. But oh boy, were they wrong. This recent article hot off the press in May of 2024, sheds light on the reality that postmenopausal endometriosis is far from a disappearing act.

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Picture this a team of researchers from France and Switzerland delving deep into the complexities of postmenopausal endometriosis, debunking the myths and highlighting the persistence of symptoms even after menstruation bids adieu. It's like discovering this hidden layer of challenges in a seemingly straightforward storyline. What's fascinating is how this article unpacks the clinical features, diagnostic dilemmas and management strategies surrounding postmenopausal endometriosis. From pelvic pain to urinary woes, it's a roller coaster of symptoms that refuses to take their final bow. Now here's where it gets a little tricky. Without the monthly cues of periods, diagnosing postmenopausal endometriosis becomes a bit puzzling. But fear not. Our researchers emphasize the importance of understanding and navigating these diagnostic hurdles to ensure an effective care for those affected by these conditions. In essence, this article serves as a wake-up call for healthcare providers, reminding them that the endometriosis storyline doesn't neatly conclude with menopause. It's a continued saga that requires vigilance, empathy and willingness to adapt to the twists and turns that postmenopausal endometriosis throws our way. After all, in the grand narrative of women's health, every chapter matters, especially to those beyond menopause.

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This next article further validates the concerns of menopausal women in the article titled Endometriosis in Menopausal Women a New Age Coming Literature Review. In this review, a group of researchers diving headfirst in the realm of postmenopausal endometriosis, armed with a fresh perspective and a determination to shake up the status quo. In a study published in April 2024, they shattered the notion that endometriosis is a condition reserved solely for the younger crowd. No, no, my friends, endometriosis is here to defy expectations and make its persistence known, even in the postmenopausal years. Now hold on to your hats, because here comes a bombshell Up to 4% of postmenopausal individuals are grappling with endometriosis. Yes, you heard that right. Forget everything you thought you knew about this condition being exclusive to the reproductive age group. It's a paradigm shift for people.

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What's truly eye-opening is how endometriosis in postmenopausal patients isn't all that different from its premenopausal counterparts. It's like a chameleon disguising itself with the diverse symptoms that can easily slip under the radar, leading to delayed diagnosis and frustration for patients and healthcare providers alike. Think about it Symptoms like chronic pelvic pain, discomfort during intimacy and even issues with bowel movements could be a waving red flag for endometriosis, even after menopause has come and gone. It's a reminder that the story doesn't end with the cease and desist of menstruation. It's merely a new chapter in the saga of endometriosis. But wait, there's more. Our intrepid researchers also sound the alarm on the slightly increased risk of malignant transformation associated with postmenopausal endometriosis. It's a sobering reminder that timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial.

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So what's the takeaway from all this? Well, because we're on the brink of a new age in understanding and managing endometriosis in menopausal women. It's a journey filled with twists, turns and plenty of surprises, but one thing's for sure knowledge is power. With each study, we're getting one step closer to cracking the code of this sinister condition. So here's another great article from June 2024, titled Patient Experiences of Endometriosis Diagnosis A Mixed Methods Approach. It's all about the rollercoaster ride of getting diagnosed with endometriosis. Over 2,000 folks from 63 different countries spilled the beans on their experiences. And guess what? It's a wild ride.

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So you know how, when you're not feeling right, you go see a doctor, right? Well, these peeps in the study they waited almost four years from the time they first felt something off to finally showing up on the doctor's doorstep. But wait after that. They waited nearly six more years to actually get the label slapped on them. That's like binge watching a series and waiting for years for the finale. Talk about a marathon. And also super frustrating. And get.

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This age seems to play a big role Folks over 35, they had it even rougher, waiting longer than their younger counterparts. It's like the older you get, the more docs shrug and say, eh, it's probably nothing. But here's the thing. It's not just about the clock ticking, it's about feeling brushed off, like your symptoms don't matter. These patients felt their docs were just brushing them off. It's like going to a mechanic and them telling you there's nothing wrong with your car, even though it's making a weird noise. So while this study might seem like old news to those of us who've been through it, it's still a punch to the gut. It's a reminder that the struggle is real for people with endometriosis, no matter how old they are. It's like they're all stuck in this endless loop of pain and frustration, just trying to get someone to listen. But hey, at least they're looking at research and studies that help validate what we have felt for many years.

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But the research doesn't stop there. In this next article, titled Demographic Correlations of Endometriosis Diagnosis Among United States Women Aged 15 to 50, it's like in this study, the scientists are armed with clipboards and magnifying glasses, decided to embark on a quest to unravel the mysteries of endometriosis among American women. They go on a bit of a data scavenger hunt, digging through the lives of ladies aged 15 to 50, determined to uncover who's more likely to get diagnosed within the mystery disease called endometriosis. Their findings. Well, hold on to your hats, because it turns out, age is a bit of a giveaway. So imagine you hit your late 30s and suddenly the chances of being besties with endometriosis skyrocket. Apparently, it's like a VIP club where the average age of entry is around, yeah, 39. Meanwhile, the younger gals chilling out around you know 31 seem to be dodging this membership like it's a hot potato. But wait, there's more. It's not just about age. Oh no, race decides to join the party too. Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women are giving endometriosis the ultimate silent treatment, being less likely to be diagnosed compared to those non-Hispanic white counterparts. It's like they're playing a game of hide and seek, and the disease just can't seem to find them.

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Now here's where things get a little wild. You'd think that having good old private insurance would be the golden ticket to diagnosis. Right Wrong, turns out. Having Medicare or military insurance actually boosts your chance at getting that diagnosis. Who would have thought? It's like the disease has a preference for certain insurance cards playing favorites in the healthcare game.

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But that's not all the drama. Education decides to strut its stuff in the spotlight too. Those who have braved the halls of high school and beyond seem to have a higher chance of catching endometriosis' attention. It's like the disease is a snob only hanging out with the educated crowd. So what's the big takeaway from this circus of demographics? Well, it's like the game of Clue, except instead of Colonel Mustard in the library with a candlestick, it's more like Mrs Endometriosis Strikes Again, targeting women in their late 30s, avoiding certain races, cozying up to specific insurance plans and only giving nods to those with diplomas. It's a mystery, all right, and these researchers are on a mission to crack the case wide open. Let's just hope they remember to bring their magnifying glasses and detective hats along for the ride. What's not a mystery is the fact that endometriosis affects all these women across the board. However, diagnosis is different for everyone, as the study highlights. All jokes aside, we know everyone deserves a diagnosis, no matter how old or how young, or what race, or what insurance or what education you have. You deserve that diagnosis. So here's some more research highlighting what disparities lie within the diagnosis process.

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In this last highlighted publication titled Persistence of Endometriosis and Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions Negatively Impacts the Pain Experience in Women with Chronic Pelvic Abdominal Pain, a cross-sectional survey is where researchers took a closer look at something many people with endometriosis probably already knew Dealing with this condition often means dealing with other types of chronic pain too. They found that more of these overlapping pain conditions a person had, the worse their overall pain tended to be. It's like dealing with a whole squad of pain, each bringing their unique challenges to the party. But here's where it gets interesting. Even though age, race and how long someone had been dealing with pelvic pain didn't seem to make a difference in whether they had endometriosis or not, having endometriosis was like a signal for the body to invite more pain pals to the gathering, and these weren't just any pains. They ranged from fibromyalgia to chronic fatigue syndrome, almost like the body decided to throw a pain Olympics and invite all its buddies. Now picture this the folks with endometriosis not only had younger onset of pelvic pain, but also reported that the pain was crashing the party with more intensity, sticking around longer and causing more interference in their day-to-day lives.

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But there's more.

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The researchers aren't just pointing out the problem, they're offering a solution. Yay, they're basically saying hey, doctors, when you're dealing with endometriosis, don't just focus on that, take a look around and see if there's any other pain problems crashing the party too. They're suggesting that by understanding all the different types of pain a person might be dealing with, doctors can come up with a better plan to tackle it all. So it's not just about treating endometriosis, it's about understanding that it often brings a whole squad of pain conditions along for the ride. And by acknowledging and addressing these other pains, doctors can hopefully make the party a little less wild for those dealing with endometriosis and its pain posse.

Speaker 1:
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Thanks for joining me this week and, as I said, this was an extremely validating episode and research that many of us have felt or known for quite some time. The links to all these articles are in the description of this podcast, so check them out if you want to learn some more. And remember this knowledge can empower you to create change now and for future generations. So, until next time, continue advocating for you and for those that you love.