menopause

Ahhh, France. I haven’t been there in years, and I do love the countryside, the people, the food, and the wine! Today, Christine shares her journey from France. Diagnosed at 46 years old, today it’s a decaded later.

Note: Christine’s story was submitted to us in French, which I don’t speak…so I’ve employed Google Translate to help (I apologize for any misinterperations)! I know it won’t be perfect. AND I’ll include her original submission, too.

Christine’s Journey: When I was young I often had a stomach ache but we didn’t talk about endometriosis. In 2010, following crushing pains and severe inflammation, an operation was scheduled for torsion of the ovary. When I wake up I am told of a diffuse endometriosis. In 2013 recurrence with sigmoid attack. Years of hell. Late menopause at 56, I am finally released and I live again. This illness did not lead to a true initiatory journey which brought me back to basics and opened other doors for me.

(Original: Quand j étais jeune j avais souvent mal au ventre mais on ne parlais pas d endometriose. En 2010, suite a des douleurs terrassantes et une forte inflammation, une opération est programmée pour torsion de l ovaire. Au réveil on m annonce une endometriose diffuse. En 2013 recidive avec atteinte au sigmoide. Des années d enfer. Ménopausée tardivement à 56 ans, je suis enfin libérée et je revis. Cette maladie n a fait vivre un veritable parcours initiatique qui m a ramené à l essentiel et m’a ouvert d autres portes.)

Words of Advice: Courage. With all of my love. (Original: Courage. Avec tout mon amour.)

I want to send a special Thank You out to Christine for being brave enough to share her journey with us today!! And I absolutely love your words of advice. Courage, indeed. I’m so grateful menopause has granted you relief! ❤ Yours, Lisa.

Paper with "tell your story" written on it

And if YOU would like to share your story, I would love to share it on our blog. The best part about this disease is the strong network of love and support from our fellow EndoWarriors, and our friends and family, too.

Yours, Lisa.

You’ll stop having Endometriosis symptoms, pain, adhesions, and surgeries once you hit menopause.

There have been many documented cases of women still having Endometriosis symptoms and pain even after entering menopause. There has even been a 78-year-old woman who had to undergo excision surgery! 78! And this woman had a hysterectomy in her 50s. Further providing evidence that a hysterectomy will not cure your Endometriosis (although it may take away some of those monthly uterus pains).

Women who have Endometriosis and are peri-menopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal (whether naturally or surgically-induced) will need to talk to their doctors about any hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some believe that the supplemental introduction of estrogen may increase your chances of recurrent Endometriosis, especially if some Endo implants remain in your body. Some women also continue to suffer from the digestive and bowel-related issues. It is also important to note that your ovaries are not the only estrogen-manufacturers in your body. Your liver, for instance, manufacturers estrogen. I repeat: talk to your doctor. Especially if you fear your Endometriosis has returned.

Keep heart, though. Many women report a huge decline in their Endometriosis-related symptoms once they hit menopause. However, as you know: Endometriosis is different for every woman. Only time will tell.

Resources:

Endometriosis Association

U.S. National Library of Medicine

WomensHealth.gov

Women’s Voices for Change

~ Again, I am a layman. I do not hold any college degrees, nor mastery of knowledge. Please take what I say with a grain of salt. If curious, do your own research 😉 Validate my writings. Or challenge them. And ALWAYS feel free to consult with your physician. Always. Yours ~ Lisa