What are some of the Symptoms of Endometriosis?
* Pain before and during periods
* Pain with sex
* Infertility
* Fatigue
* Painful urination during periods
* Painful bowel movements / irritable bowel syndrome
* Other Gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea.

In addition, many women with endometriosis suffer from:
* Allergies
* Chemical sensitivities
* Frequent yeast infections

As you can see, many women suffer from one or more of the above symptoms, in general, thus Diagnosis is considered uncertain until proven by laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure done under anesthesia. A laparoscopy usually shows the location, size, and extent of the growths. This helps the doctor and patient make better treatment choices.

There is no cure to this condition. However, various Medical Treatment options are constantly being researched, & some are already available to cope effectively with this condition, including Surgical procedures, oral medications, hormone therapy. There are also a range of holistic therapy, that work with these medical options.  Numerous Pain relief options are also available.

Do your research & learning to understand the medical perspective of the condition through the RIGHT resources.
* BOOKS
* INTERNET
* TALKS
* RELIABLE SUPPORT NETWORKS
* DOCTORS & HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SPECIALISED IN ENDOMETRIOSIS

Every Women is Different. The Treatment methods, pain management & healing processes differ according to age, severity of condition, etc. The only way to improve your condition is through testing the various treatment options available, & tailor-make them to suit your needs.

You can take charge of your life & overcome the disabling disease of Endometriosis. Many women have achieved it, so can you.

Article by Azeeza Jalaludeen, Certified Holistic Health Management Professional, with reference from Dr Susan Evans, Co-founder of Asia Pacific Endometriosis Alliance &  Author of “Endometriosis & other pelvic pain”, Adelaide, Australia.

Endometriosis is a very real & serious health condition that is affecting many women & teenagers as young as 16 & above, around the globe! Very often, this condition is “brushed-off” as a “normal pain”  of a woman’s menstrual cycle! Though it may not be a life threatening condition, it surely is a quality of life threatening condition. 

I was diagnosed with Endometriosis at the age of 23, after my marriage, & only when I was trying to conceive. I realized that my symptoms actually started when I was 18, – fainting spells & menstrual cramps that made me take medical leaves from school & work, only that I didn’t know it was the on-set on this condition.

After my diagnosis, I went through a surgical procedure that confirmed that I was at stage 3 of Endometriosis, which my doctor told me, could mean that I may not be able to conceive naturally. After the laproscopy (to remove blood cysts that was blocking my ovaries) & hormone treatment programs (that simulate menopausal symptoms) that took about 6-9months, I was told to go for IVF treatment, to stand a better chance of conceiving fast, if not, endometriosis threatened to make a come back.

But, with the support of ‘higher power’, I conceived naturally (which my doctor swore to be very rare), based on my ‘dysfunctional’ left ovary & weak right ovary. Nonetheless, I went on to deliver a healthy baby boy, naturally & without any complications.

As a remedy to keep Endometriosis & the pain away from my life, I continued my doctor’s advise to continue giving birth to my second & third child. Thanks to my age factor, there was no complications in my deliveries. I continued breastfeeding to keep my menstrual cycle from coming back faster. This “birth & breast” cycle could not go on for long. I decided that 3 cycles was the maximum I could go.

6 years after my third child, I had a relapse. Though I expected a possible come back, as warned by my doctor before, it was many times more painful than I ever imagined & experienced. I was bed-ridden for 2 weeks, every month (due to extreme pain & bleeding), for more than 6months. I was having irritable bowel syndrome, gastric / digestive problem/ depression, migraines, vomitting etc. This affected every other aspects of my life – my business, relationships with my family & friends, emotionally, etc. My quality of life was ruled by Endometriosis.

Other than my doctor’s recommendation of hysterectomy (which I understood is also not a cure to this condition), I went on a search on holistic remedies & for different opinions to overcome this condition. I searched on the internet, looked up books, & even travelled to overseas, to understand what this condition is doing to me, & what are the options open to me. I took up holistic health management  programs, that supported medical perspectives.

Now, one year since my search began, I no longer lay victim to the days of pain, with maximum 2 days of rest. I am now able to conquer my dis-ease,  which includes change of life-style to healthy eating habits, exercises, & a combination of holistic approaches, that work on both mind & body.

This result was possible due to the constant emotional & physical support of my husband, who’s very understanding & loving. His moral support is the ultimate boost to my strength in dealing with this Dis-Ease & Conquering  the Fear  that comes with the Pain! 

 Article from Azeeza Jalaludeen, Founder of SHINE EAS – Endometriosis Support Group for Singaporean/ Asian Women.

What is “SEAS” – It is an acronym for Shine Endometriosis Association (S).

SEAS, started in November 2007, is the non-profit Global Organisation of the social enterprise, SHINE (Self-Help International Network Enterprise) Group, dedicated to educating & supporting women & their families on Endometriosis & Menstrual Health.

As a non-profit support group based in S’pore, we provide holistic approaches to this condition, as we’re constantly updated through collaboration with Endometriosis Organisations. Specialists & Support Groups, globally.

SEAS…Conquering the Endo Dis-ease!

Do check out SEAS at

Shine Endometriosis Association (S)