Description
Could painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating or fertility challenges be signs of something more?
In this Mayo Clinic podcast, gynecologists Megan Wasson, D.O., and Michelle Louie, M.D., from Mayo Clinic in Arizona discuss two of the most common and misunderstood women's health conditions: endometriosis and uterine fibroids. The conversation explores symptoms, diagnosis, fertility, treatment options, menopause, research advances and how women can advocate for themselves when something doesn't feel right.
Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women, yet diagnosis can take years because symptoms are often normalized or mistaken for other conditions. Uterine fibroids affect up to 80% of women by age 50 and can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, frequent urination and fertility concerns.
In this episode
• What is endometriosis?
• What are uterine fibroids?
• Signs and symptoms women should not ignore
• Why endometriosis is often diagnosed late
• Heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain
• Fibroids vs. ovarian cysts
• Fertility and family planning considerations
• Treatment options, including minimally invasive approaches
• Myths about hysterectomy, menopause and hormone therapy
• Emerging research on endometriosis and uterine fibroids
• How to advocate for yourself and seek answers sooner
Key Takeaway
Painful periods, heavy bleeding and pelvic symptoms may be common, but they should not be dismissed as normal if they interfere with work, school, sleep, exercise, relationships or daily life. Mayo Clinic experts share what women should know about recognizing symptoms, receiving an accurate diagnosis and finding a treatment approach that fits their needs and goals.
Learn More
Visit Mayo Clinic for more information about:
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic pain
• Women's health
0:00 Introduction to Fibroids and Endometriosis
1:45 Understanding Uterine Fibroids and Their Causes
3:09 Prevention, Hormones and Fibroid Risk
4:44 Fibroids During Pregnancy and Fertility
5:27 Fibroid Symptoms, Screening and Diagnosis
6:48 When Fibroids Need Treatment
8:15 Fibroids, Fertility and Treatment Options
11:21 Choosing the Right Fibroid Treatment
12:02 Fibroid Recurrence and Long-Term Follow-Up
15:15 Understanding Endometriosis and Its Symptoms
18:55 Why Endometriosis Is Difficult to Diagnose
21:04 Inflammation, Symptoms and Endometriosis Diagnosis
25:05 Endometriosis Treatment and Symptom Management
27:44 Endometriomas, Fertility and Pregnancy
30:33 Fibroids, Endometriosis and Menopause
33:44 Research and Future Treatment Advances
37:01 Lifestyle, Diet and Emerging Treatments
45:18 Key Takeaways for Women’s Health
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