Endometriosis pain can be physically and emotionally exhausting — from sharp cramps to chronic pelvic discomfort that lingers long after your period. If you're wondering how to help or deal with endometriosis pain, one of the most effective approaches is to treat the root cause: the hormone-driven growth of endometrial-like tissue. In this post, we’ll break down how hormonal birth control can reduce symptoms and prevent long-term complications.
Why treatment matters
In general, the goal of endometriosis treatment is both to address symptoms, as well as to prevent further growth of the abnormal cells which can lead to worsening symptoms or infertility in the future. Since the abnormal cells grow in response to monthly hormone fluctuations with the menstrual cycle, the preferred treatment for endometriosis is to control these hormone fluctuations, typically with some type of hormonal birth control, such as:
- Pills
- Patches
- Vaginal rings
- Injections
- Implants (Nexplanon)
Ideally, the birth control should be taken “continuously,” meaning the intended period days (for pills, patches, and rings) are skipped — so hormone levels stay constant. With this treatment, many patients can experience relief from symptoms and avoid worsening symptoms and complications in the future. This is the mainstay of endometriosis treatment.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you suspect you may have endometriosis, so we can come up with a personalized treatment plan for you!