How Does Endometriosis Affect Moods?

About 10% of women have endometriosis during their reproductive years. Endometriosis is a condition that develops when the tissue that lines your uterus, called the endometrium, grows elsewhere in your pelvic region.

Endometrial tissue growing outside your uterus thickens and sheds like healthy tissue, but rather than exiting your body during your menstrual period, it gets trapped, causing inflammation and abdominal pain. 

Managing pain and heavy menstrual periods is the primary focus of many endometriosis treatment plans, but the symptoms of endometriosis often go beyond the physical. Endometriosis occurs along with hormonal imbalance, and changing hormone levels can leave you suffering mood swings that interfere with your daily life.

Navigating all of the symptoms of endometriosis can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Daniel McDonald, MD, Marc Wilson, MD, and our capable team at OB/GYN Specialists in Denton, Texas, offer comprehensive endometriosis care for women of all ages. 

If you have endometriosis and you’re experiencing irregular mood swings or other signs of hormonal imbalance, make an appointment with our team. Adjusting your treatment plan could make a difference for your mental health.

The links between endometriosis and mood

For many women, endometriosis means more than dealing with heavy or painful periods. Living with chronic abdominal and pelvic pain can increase your stress level and affect your ability to carry out responsibilities at work, at home, and in your personal relationships.

Along with the stress and uncertainty around an endometriosis diagnosis, hormone imbalance with endometriosis can increase the likelihood that you’ll experience mood swings. 

Women with endometriosis generally have higher levels of estrogen than women without endometriosis. Estrogen is an important hormone that plays a role in regulating your menstrual cycle, but when estrogen levels are too high, hormone imbalance develops.

Hormones affect your mood, and shifting estrogen levels could trigger mood swings and feelings of anger, irritability, and frustration. One study reports that having endometriosis makes women more likely to suffer depression and anxiety.

Other effects of endometriosis and hormonal imbalance

Mood swings, depression, and anxiety can significantly hinder your quality of life, but they’re not the only hormone-related symptoms you could experience with endometriosis. Other possible symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Irregular periods
• Bleeding between periods

It’s not uncommon to experience digestive problems along with endometriosis. Symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and nausea can occur, and they may get worse during your menstrual periods.

Finding treatment for your endometriosis symptoms

Your risk of mood swings and other mental health symptoms may increase if your endometriosis remains undiagnosed or untreated. If you’re experiencing painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, or other symptoms, it’s important to seek professional care.

Dr. McDonald, Dr. Wilson, and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating endometriosis. Depending on your age, symptoms, and family planning goals, we can offer a range of treatment options to help you manage your condition.

Medication can temporarily stop ovulation, and this method may improve your chances of getting pregnant once you stop taking the medication. If you aren’t interested in getting pregnant, a different medication can extend your menstrual cycles and reduce the number of periods you have per year.

In more severe cases, or if endometriosis is affecting your fertility, surgery could be an option. Our team uses minimally invasive techniques to remove patches of endometrial tissue, which can help your body recover and minimize symptoms.

Don’t let endometriosis dictate your moods and your life. Contact OB/GYN Specialists at 940-202-0566 for an appointment or send us a message for more information.