Abdominal enlargement: Causes, signs, and approaches for management
Endo belly, a term used to describe the abdominal bloating associated with endometriosis, is a common and often painful condition. Some people may describe it as looking like a pregnant belly. This bloating can be firm to the touch and is often experienced before or during a menstrual period, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.
Endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting a significant number of individuals in reproductive age in the United States, occurs when a similar type of tissue grows outside the uterus and can spread to other parts of the reproductive system and beyond, such as the bowels, bladder, or lining of the abdominal cavity.
Abdominal bloating is the most common symptom of endo belly, and it happens when the lower abdomen swells with gas or air. However, it's important to note that several other conditions can cause abdominal bloating similar to endo belly. These include Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), ovarian cysts, intestinal obstruction, and other pelvic or urinary conditions.
Distinguishing among these requires comprehensive clinical assessment often involving specialists in gastroenterology, gynecology, and pain management. For instance, SIBO shares gastrointestinal symptoms with endometriosis such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and malabsorption issues caused by gut microbiota imbalance and inflammation. On the other hand, ovarian cysts can cause abdominal bloating or a feeling of fullness, along with pelvic pain and irregular menstrual cycles.
Endometriosis-related abdominal bloating may result from gastrointestinal issues, inflammation, cysts, and fibroids. Lesions invading the bowel can cause fibrosis and narrowing, mimicking other gastrointestinal conditions.
Managing endo belly symptoms can involve making certain dietary changes and taking medications. For example, following a low FODMAP diet may help alleviate some gastrointestinal distress in the short term, but more research is necessary to see if it can help benefit endo belly long term. Progesterone and progestin, which can prevent endometrial-like tissue from growing, reduce the size of existing lesions, or stop monthly periods, may also be used in treatment.
In some cases, more invasive options such as surgery may be necessary to alleviate endometriosis symptoms such as endo belly. Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive surgery used to remove endometriosis patches, is one such option. Hysterectomy, a procedure wherein a surgeon removes the uterus and may also remove the ovaries to increase the chance of getting rid of every endometriosis patch, is typically reserved for people with untreatable endometriosis pain and those who do not plan to become pregnant.
If you or someone you know is experiencing gastrointestinal distress alongside abdominal bloating, it's important to contact a doctor. Organisations such as the Endometriosis Foundation of America, Endometriosis Association, Endometriosis Research Center, Endo Warriors, and MyEndometriosisTeam may provide further help and information about endo belly.
- Endometriosis, similar to diabetes and bipolar being types of ailments, is a chronic condition that affects a significant number of individuals, particularly those in reproductive age in the United States.
- Abdominal bloating, a common symptom of endo belly, can be caused by gas or air accumulation in the lower abdomen, much like gas bloating in digestion.
- Predictive science in health-and-wellness, such as identifying conditions through specific symptoms, can help differentiate endo belly from other conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
- In the context of women's health, endometriosis-related abdominal bloating can be managed through dietary changes, medications (like progesterone and progestin), or invasive surgical options like laparoscopy or hysterectomy.
- For comprehensive information and resources about endo belly, including management strategies and support groups, one may refer to organizations like the Endometriosis Foundation of America, Endometriosis Association, Endometriosis Research Center, Endo Warriors, or MyEndometriosisTeam.
