Symptoms of endometriosis?

[thedenouncement]

I am 21, and was diagnosed with PCOS late last year- I am at a healthy weight, and probably began to develop it from yo-yo dieting related to lots of gymnastics in my teens. I had my period very late, and very rarely - never cramping or more than a mild back ache associated. I received my diagnosis after slowly developing a non-stop period even while taking only active contraceptive pills (~3 months until norethisterone was prescribed. Even now, I have to take it regularly to stop it, since a year or so ago. When bleeding, I would experience very heavy, clotty bleeding, where I could identify tissue)

Now, here's my real question. I've been in the USA with my partner for the last 6 months without access to any health care that wouldn't cost me a fortune. In the last few months I've begun to experience a very painful, dull cramping, first only when I orgasmed, then every time I had sex and now it will even happen before sex during foreplay. It will take about a half hour to pass, but otherwise no considerable aches/pains in my abdomen. Now in the last week I've begun to notice a marked "tugging" sensation in the centre lower quadrant of my abdomen, and "stitch" sensations on either side if a light pressure applied (wearing jeans or anything tight is pretty uncomfortable now. Endometriosis is also in my family.

Does this sound like endometriosis? Is it even possible to develop if I'm constantly on the pill and therefore not ovulating? If that's the case, I can't quite understand why I would be bleeding tissue. Would appreciate any and all experiences/expertise. Many thanks!

[thedenouncement]

Thank you so much, I really really appreciate that. Hope you stay well, cheers :)

[ticked]

It may do such things with hormone levels but I am doubting there was anything you could have done to prevent the PCOS. This disease I am not 100% knowledgeable about but I know a lot of Endo friends who have it as well and they all come in every different shape and size. If its in your family I would think for the most part it is just hereditary.

Good luck with the doctor, I hope you get some help. If you run into some issues I am always here to help :) There are many surgeons and gyno's that know about this disease and I am here to help you find one that will listen if that one does not.

[thedenouncement]

Thanks for the response! I won't feel so guilty now; I had read sometime after diagnosis that eating disorders (anorexia) and gymnastics (increases testosterone levels?) correlates with PCOS, but it is in my family too.

I've asked around, and found that four women in my extended family have it, including my grandmother, aunts on both sides etc. Will be seeing a specialist in the next month, who will hopefully have more answers. Thank you very much, I really appreciate it.

Chelsea

[ticked]

Hey, just seeing this now.

I am pretty sure you didn't develop pcos from yo-yo dieting or gymnastics. It is just something that happens, nothing can prevent it like Endometriosis.

If it runs in your family it is quite possible that you could have it as the chances are 10 fold. The pain you are feeling with orgasm and sex as well as clots and heavy bleeding could all be due to Endo.  

You can be on the BCP or any other hormone that prevents periods and ovulation and Endometriosis will still grow. Nothing suppresses it. It must be treated surgically if your symptoms are asymptomatic. However if nothing is being seen on a scan like a blood filled cyst then a doctor may not believe that is the problem.

The best thing is to find an Endo specialist. You not having benefits or healthcare not sure how I can help.