Endo Battery Fast Charged: EP 5

Postmenopausal Endometriosis Research and Insights

Speaker 1
0:01

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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1:59

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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3:18

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 .

Speaker 1
4:15

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 .

Speaker 1
5:09

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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8:45

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 .

Speaker 1
9:02

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 .

Understanding Endometriosis Pain and Solutions

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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 .