Page 21 - Dr Pamela Peeke

The only way to formally diagnose endometriosis is surgery. one drugs that have fewer side effects that are in the devel-
“In more severe cases that do not respond to hormones, you opment stage,” Reagan shares. Undoubtedly, progress is
should undergo a procedure called laparoscopy. It is a minor being made in women’s health.
procedure that lasts between thirty and sixty minutes that
can make a diagnosis of the degree of endometriosis and The possibility of new diagnostic tools also gives women
treat it at the same time,” Cohen says. Surgery should be hope. “Many people are trying to find a test (like a blood
a last resort: As long as you are of childbearing age, endo- or urine test, or a scan that can help with earlier diagnosis
metriosis can reoccur. so women do not have to suffer so long,” O’Brien adds. It
is very important to act early when you feel you may have
endometriosis. “There is no way of preventing it,” Reagan
There is a new prospective drug in phase two of develop- says. Heightening awareness is the key. You can make a
ment called Elagolix. “It is posted on clinicaltrials.gov and difference even if you just share this article with one friend.
there is increasing attention being paid to this program be- It is your job to take control of your gynecological health.
cause it is one of the most advanced of the new therapies for
endometriosis,” tells O’Brien. It is easy. “It is a once a day Jamie Lober is dedicated to providing information on women’s health topics.
oral medication and appears to be very well-tolerated and Her special interests include disease prevention, preventative care, high risk
generally quite safe.”. There are so many research studies pregnancy and infertility. Lober aspires to open to her own ob/gyn practice.
going on for endometriosis. “There are some anti-progester- She can be reached at jamie@getpinkpower.com

San Diego Woman

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Issue 2, 2009