Understanding Endometriosis Hip Joint Pain

Millions of women in America, and all over the world, as much as 5 to 10% of the female population, suffer endometriosis and hip joint pain can be one of the symptoms. So it is important to be aware of endometriosis signs and symptoms and the various treatment options that can help alleviate endometriosis hip joint pain.

While some women may have endometriosis and feel no different than their peers, most women with endometriosis suffer progressively worsening pain in line with their monthly periods.
The common symptoms of endometriosis are pelvic tenderness, heightened pre-menstrual syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea (pain before and during periods), painful urination, and pain during sexual intercourse, chronic fatigue and cramping among many others.
Hip pain or pain that radiates from the buttock and down the leg are common in women where endometriosis has effected the sciatic nerve. Also, endometriosis in the groin area can feel like hip pain.

On occasion endometrial adhesions can restrict the hip ligaments, causing pain and limping. Hip joint pain that worsens in a cyclical fashion in line with the menstrual cycle will usually be caused by endometriosis.

Endometriosis is characterized when endometrium cells, similar to the tissue that lines the womb or uterus, attaches itself to other organs found in the abdomen and around the hip joint. The reason behind this is still not entirely understood.

At first, it was hypothesized that endometriosis occurs due to a condition called retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows backwards into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body. This has largely been discounted however, as it has been found that most women experience retrograde menstruation without necessarily developing endometriosis.

More recent research has shown that the condition may possibly be an immune response towards the spreading of endometrial cells. Some studies have also discovered genetic links with regards to endometriosis. However all studies have been inconclusive regarding the actual cause of the disease. Further research is still being conducted to find its etiology.

Because the extent of endometriosis varies very widely among its sufferers, treatment options are also varied. The effectiveness and safety of these treatments should be subject to careful evaluation as a lot of them have side effects that you should be aware of.

Some sufferers may be given medical treatment, however these can cause premature menopause or can stop ovulation. Some women may just opt to relieve the hip and pelvic pain caused by endometriosis using pain killers either taking over-the-counter drugs or stronger prescription pain medicine.

Conservative surgery is also an option. This type of treatment aims to surgically destroy or remove endometriosis and return the effected organ systems to their original state as much as possible.

This is done in hope of relieving the hip joint paint associated with the condition as well as the infertility that can result from it. Most surgeries, especially those in the U.S., are done using a laparoscope, making the procedure minimally invasive.

Alternative treatments have also shown a lot of promise and anecdotally have been successful for a number of women. Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments like acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatments can provide relief. Also, acupressure and aromatherapy can be used to alleviate symptoms. Even you diet can make a big difference to your symptoms.

Keep reading to sign up to our free Endometriosis newsletter where you can discover more about the natural ways of treating endometriosis symptoms.

Endometriosis hip joint pain is not a laughing matter. If you experience some of the symptoms that you've learned about here, it's best to consult with your gynecologist to address the matter immediately. It is also wise to go to your doctor periodically to keep your reproductive health in check.