Menstruation Basics
What is menstruation?
Menstruation, or a “period,” is the phase of the menstrual cycle where the lining of the uterus sheds.
During previous phases of the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus is built up to prepare for the possible implantation of a fertilized egg. If no egg is implanted, this built-up lining is shed, and the cycle begins again.
What does “endo” stand for? Define AND spell it!
Endometriosis: the growth of uterine-like tissue outside of the uterus, where it does not belong.
What is the most common sign of endo?
The most common sign and symptom of endometriosis is severe, debilitating period pain.
Give one example of a management strategy for endometriosis?
NSAIDs (pain relievers), hormonal birth control, exercise/diet, pelvic floor physical therapy
Someone shared with you they have endo, what is one thing you would do to make sure they felt supported?
This answer is up to interpretation.
Some examples could include: validating the person’s feelings (frustration, sadness, pain) with empathy, offering to support them (if they miss class and need notes maybe offer to share yours, or if they miss practice maybe offer to catch them up on plays), or offering to go with them to speak to the nurse/doctor/parent.
What are 3 different products people use to manage a period?
Different products people use to manage their periods include pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear.
Name 3 places in the body where endo can occur:
Endometriosis can occur on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdominal lining (peritoneum), small and large intestines, bladder, colon, kidneys etc.
What are three signs of endo, other than severe pelvic pain?
Gastrointestinal issues (constipation/diarrhea), nausea, extreme fatigue, heavy periods, lengthy periods, infertility, headaches, nerve pain, low back/leg pain, bloating, and more.
For some, surgery may be recommended to treat the disease. What is this surgery called?
Laparoscopic Excision Surgery
How can you get more involved in the endo community, if you wanted to?
You can become more involved in the endometriosis community by talking about endometriosis openly, educating friends and family, supporting those you know who have endo, fundraising for endo research, and getting involved in endo policy.
What are 2 signs of abnormal menstruation?
Severe pain or cramping that gets in the way of daily activities
Nerve pain in the legs and back
Periods lasting longer than 7 days (or less than 3 days)
Vomiting and diarrhea before, during, or after menstruation
Bleeding through an overnight pad or needing to change it in the night (heavy bleeding)
Clots larger than the size of a quarter, needing to change regular absorbency menstrual products after less than 2 hours (heavy bleeding)
Needing to change regular absorbency period products after less than 2 hours (heavy bleeding)
Extreme fatigue, passing out, being unable to leave your bed
Approximately what percentage of people are diagnosed with endo?
Approximately 10% of people (1 in 10) assigned female at birth.
Name one condition or disease that endometriosis is often misdiagnosed as:
IBS, stress, pelvic inflammatory disease, anxiety, fibromyalgia
What type of doctors specialize in the “female reproductive system”?
Gynecologists
What are 2 steps someone should take to prepare for a doctor’s appointment if they think they may have endo?
People can prepare for a doctor’s appointment to discuss endometriosis by keeping a calendar of their menstrual cycle and accompanying symptoms, keeping track of how many days they have a period and if there are changes in their flow, detailing how often they change period products, and/or practicing saying their words out loud so they feel prepared to advocate for themselves in a medical setting.
What is the average length of a menstrual cycle?
The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days.
Approximately how long does it take to be diagnosed with endo, and what is one reason that delay exists?
1. 7-10 years
2. Menstruation stigma, normalizing period pain, lack of information and awareness about endometriosis, etc.
True or False: All people with endometriosis experience the same symptoms of the disease.
False! Endometriosis symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people with endometriosis don't experience any pain, and a small portion has no symptoms at all.
True or False: Healthy food choices, getting plenty of exercise, and good sleep can help manage the symptoms of endometriosis.
True!
Scenario: Based on what you've learned today, you think someone in your life may have endometriosis. What are some strategies for talking with them about endo?
This answer is up to interpretation.
Some examples could include: picking the right time, validating their experiences with pain or other symptoms, approaching them with intent to support (not just to "info-dump"), referring them to resources like ENPOWR or EndoFound's website, offering to go with them to seek care if desired, etc.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY: What are the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle (hint: only one is menstruation)?
The four phases of the menstrual cycle are Menstruation, Follicular, Ovulation, Luteal.
True or False: Endometriosis can only be diagnosed in adulthood, as adolescents' reproductive organs are not yet fully developed.
False! Symptoms of endometriosis often begin as early as the first period and can worsen over time.
Why? Endometriosis tissue can respond to hormones like estrogen, which the body starts creating more of during puberty.
True or False: Endometriosis is a leading cause of female infertility.
True! Anywhere between 30-50% of those with endometriosis experience infertility. Many diagnosed with infertility go on to discover that endometriosis is the root cause. Thankfully, many fertility treatments have shown to be effective for individuals with endometriosis.
True or False: A healthcare professional with experience in treating endometriosis can start treatments, even without surgical biopsy.
True! While surgery and sending a tissue away for analysis in a lab is the only way to know 100% whether you have endometriosis, an experienced professional is often able to help you manage your symptoms.
Scenario: One of your classmates makes fun of someone who had to leave class because of their period pain. What would you do?
This answer is up to interpretation.
If you're comfortable, try to inform them that period-related pain can often be tied to serious health issues like endometriosis.
Severe pain around someone's period isn't "just period pain", it can be debilitating and worse than healthy individuals may be able to imagine--every month!
It wouldn't be appropriate to make fun of a classmate with a chronic health condition not related to their period, like diabetes or asthma. So why is it more okay just because it's related to periods?