Thursday, September 11, 2008

Can't you just CHILL Ursela?

So I'm 7dpo today and have been cramping for 3 days... 5dpo is WAY too early to start cramping and this cannot bode well. I've always had this problem. I thought it was just bad luck that I'd cramp for a week and some before AF came each month. Now I know its just the Endo. A while back ago I read this on Endo-Resolved (link can be found on my sidebar) and it just saddens me that this could be happening right now... ruining my possible implantation.

Prostaglandins are required for ovulation, regression of the corpus luteum (i.e., ending the monthly menstrual cycle), sperm motility, immune interaction, contraction of the uterus at birth and menstrual cramps. Endometriosis implants and the endometrium of the uterus are the richest source of prostaglandin production in the body.

However, the problem with Endometriosis implants includes:- Prostaglandins are released into the abdomen instead of inside the womb- Prostaglandins release by the implants seem to be out of phase with their release by the uterus. Prostaglandins are produced at the wrong time sending the wrong message.

For instance, there is a normal surge in prostaglandin F production at the end of the menstrual cycle, causing the effect of the copus luteum of the ovary to die down and signaling the start of a new menstrual cycle. The implants of Endometriosis produce their own prostaglandin surge several days after that of the womb lining. This may be one of the main causes of very early miscarriage.

If a women is a few days pregnant then the Endometriosis implants producing prostaglandin F would incorrectly signal the ovary to start a new menstrual cycle, causing the womb lining with the implanted egg to be expelled - and the consequence is an early miscarriage.
Prostaglandins also play an important role in the contractions of womb and fallopian tubes. During the normal menstrual cycle, the gentle contraction of the womb and fallopian tube aids the movement of egg and sperm to the outer third of the fallopian tube where fertilization occurs. High concentrations of endometriosis implants may prevent fertilization. An excess of PGF2 and PGE2 could cause contractions that are too strong and expel the egg too quickly.


The prometrium is supposed to act as a muscle relaxer in a way for my uterus, which would help with this but... here I am 7dpo and cramping for 3 days... something makes me think it's not working so well. I know many say cramping can be a GOOD thing and a "sign" of pregnancy, but I don't think that applies to us Endo sufferers. *sigh* Oh well... I guess we'll see if I'm right in about a week... By the way, Ursela is my pet name for my evil uterus.

2 comments:

My Endo Journey said...

What a great name for it! :( Anyway, don't lose hope yet. You never know. Even though we are used to our bodies playing nasty tricks on us, it can produce some pretty amazing things sometimes!

So, 7 dpo...7 days before period? What is the exact terminology?

Throwing out some prayers for you tonight!

Alex said...

THanks for the encouragement... I have a hard time sometimes staying hopeful. I think its because we've been trying for almost 3 years now and I've grown so accustomed to dissapointment... *sigh* :(

dpo stands for "days past ovulation." Sorry, I'm just so used to thinking that way that I forget that not everyone knows what I'm talking about! LOL