What is Endometriosis?

Did you know 176 million women worldwide are impacted from endometriosis? Over 200,000 cases of endometriosis are diagnosed every year, on par with breast cancer, yet endometriosis is relatively unknown and lacks the proper research and funding to provide a cure to help so many women in need.

Endometriosis (endo) is a female disease in which endometrial-like tissue is found outside of the uterus in other parts of the body. Lesions are characterized as estrogen-dependent, benign, inflammatory, stem-cell driven and at times progressive with diffuse fibrosis, deep infiltration, and resistance to apoptosis (cell death) and progesterone.

So what does that mean?

In other words, tissue, which normally lines the uterus, grows outside the internal walls and creates cysts. When women menstruate on their normal cycle, so do the cysts causing abnormally painful and heavy periods, pelvic pain, severe cramps, lower back pain, discomfort with sex, and so much more.

Endometriosis can impact a woman's day, week, or month and is oftentimes (if symptoms are severe) a very debilitating disease.

Most women have no idea they suffer from endo and most commonly are embarrassed to discuss pain accompanying their monthly cycle and sexual discomfort.

Tell me more.

Endometriosis is classified in four stages. Pain and symptoms can vary at any stage. Meaning a woman with stage one could have the same pain as a women in stage four. Endometriosis can't be officially diagnosed without surgery, though many health care professionals can do an early diagnosis from symptoms.

Tune In.

We are here to start the conversation and encourage you to as well! Over the next several weeks, and during Endometriosis Awareness Month in March, we are going to be diving into #everythingendo -- talking to experts, learning how to fight back against this disease, and so much more.

In fact, Endometriosis was part of the inspiration for Chiavaye. Our founder, Kaylyn, has stage four endo and has had multiple surgeries. She has embarked on holistic ways to treat the disease with much success. You can read her story here.

Here is to your health and women everyone helping each other. #letstalkaboutendo