The last Friday of May is upon us. Already.

Where is this year going??

How have you been? The year is half-over. Let me know in the comments below. Any victories? Trauma? Need to talk? I’m here.

Today’s quote is to remind us that it’s all freakin’ possible. All of it. Even if it’s just baby steps to get there…keep moving, keep trying, keep fighting.

“Now to think that this tree was a mere seed seed someday seems unthinkable. A seed that could be carried away by the air and thrown anywhere.A seed that had no choice of its own to decide where it would grow had the inherent potential that could grow a forest!”
― Sanchita Pandey, Lessons from My Garden

And I’m serious: if you ever need to talk, shoot me a note.

May you have a wonderful weekend.

Love,

Lisa

Blogs I Updated This Week:

Endometriosis & Semen: In March 2020, Reproductive Biology published a study comparing peritoneal fluid of patients with and without Endometriosis and how it affected spermatoza. It found that the spermatoza cultured with peritoneal fluid from those with Endometriosis showed negative changes, including decreased movement and altered aminos. Although, the viability of the sperm remained intact. As usual, more studies are needed, but also points toward a potential for infertility causes in patients with Endometriosis.

Endometriosis & the Pancreas: Oooh! A new study has hit my inbox! Finally! In May of 2021, Case Reports in Surgery published an article of a 51-year-old woman who had an enlarged pancreas that also had a cyst on the tail. The cyst was discovered in 2014 and was suspected to be intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (cells which may cause pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer). It did not appear to be malignant and was therefore monitored. Later, she presented to the hospital due to epigastric pain, back pain, diarrhea with greasy stools, and anorexia. She had a prior hysterectomy, but denied any symptoms of Endo. Labs were normal. An MRI showed the defect on her pancreas. The pancreas and spleen were surgically removed and she was discharged from the hospital six days later. Pathology found the “cyst” to be consistent with Endometriosis. A year later she denied any recurrent symptoms and imaging studies showed no regrowth of any cysts.

Endometriosis in the Psoas Major Muscle: The September 2021 edition of the Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction will be publishing an article of a 25-year-old patient who successfully “treated” their symptoms with hormones (estrogen-progestogens). The study is only an abstract and I cannot access the full article, but it’s worth noting here as it is “the third case of psoas Endometriosis reported.” I’m hoping the entirety of the study becomes available online at a future date.

Parabens & Endometriosis: A study published in Environmental Research in May of 2021 concluded that parabens found in cosmetics and personal care products may increase the risks of Endometriosis, but more studies were needed.