How to manage endometriosis and periods irregularity?

In collaboration with Estelle Bertrand, Physiotherapist

and Sabrina Fajau, Physiotherapist

Irregular cycles can occur for a variety of reasons: hormonal disorders, thyroid disorders,... among them: endometriosis and adenomyosis. Today, we're going to talk about endometriosis.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition affecting 1 in 10 women, characterized by the migration of cells similar to those of the uterine endometrium outside the uterine cavity. One of the first symptoms of endometriosis is pain, but it can also manifest itself as abundant periods , dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) and irregular menstrual cycles. There are several types and stages of endometriosis. Remember that there are as many types of endometriosis as there are menstruating women: each person experiences it differently. There is pelvic endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis, digestive endometriosis and also adenomyosis, which is similar to endometriosis. It is often described as endometriosis internal to the uterus. These are endometriosis-like cells that insert themselves into the uterine muscle.  

periods irregular, abundant, how best to deal with them?

One of the major problems women face when they have irregular cycles is having to deal with heavy, anarchic blood loss. Since periods can occur at any time, they use sanitary protection daily for several days at a time. Sometimes, as a preventive measure, lhe use of conventional sanitary protection occurs without any real blood loss. Using sanitary protection when you don't really need it can lead to fungal infections and allergies, especially when it comes to s'internal protection such as tampons.

Fortunately, there are solutions to alleviate this problem: Elia menstrual panties, made from healthy organic cotton. By choosing the right panties, Elia's periods panties, designed for light flows, are suitable for everyday use and will let your vagina breathe.

Is it dangerous to use sanitary protection every day?

Intravaginal absorbent systems (tampons) should not be used in the absence of blood flow. 

The vaginal mucosa is very fragile, and its PH can be disturbed by lthe use of absorbent pads (especially disposable pads, which contain numerous chemicals).

The vaginal microbiota (all the micro-organisms present in the vagina) helps to limit infections, irritations, mycoses - in short, all the discomforts to which we can be subject. However, the daily use of sanitary protection products can cause the microbiota to become unbalanced, leading to gynaecological disorders.

Bacteria, naturally present in the vagina, need oxygen to function properly, and when we use sanitary protection (especially intravaginal protection), this limits aeration of the vagina and encourages the vaginal walls to dry out. This can lead to vaginal irritation, fungal infections, vaginal infections and sometimes even urinary tract infections.

To limit these inconveniences, if you suffer from irregular cycles and have no blood loss, we recommend non-absorbent organic cotton panties (if you're comfortable with the idea of managing your flow). Otherwise, you can opt for Elia absorbent panties during the day, then wear flowing, fairly airy pyjamas at night. 

If your periods are regular, you can of course wear your sanitary protection throughout your periods without any contraindications.

If you experience irregular, abundant or painful periods , we encourage you to consult a healthcare professional who can diagnose and determine the cause of these irregularities.