Endometriosis and mirena treatment is something else you can consider if you find that controlling your diet by eliminating "bad" foods isn't providing you with adequate relief. Mirena is used to treat endometriosis symptoms by limiting the amount of blood flow during menses.

What is Mirena? It is a form of contraception and a type of Intrauterine Contraceptive Device, commonly known as IUD's or colis. Mirena is made up of light plastic, and is in the form of a T-shape. It is properly fitted and inserted into the womb by a doctor. It remains in place for a certain amount of time, and is then removed and a fresh Mirena coli is inserted.

How does Mirena work? As far as the benefits linked between controlling endometriosis and mirena treatment are concerned, mirena makes the bleeding during a menstrual cycle lighter than normal. This is achieved through the hormone levonorgestrel located on the mirena coli. Although Levonorgesterel is an ingredient also found in birth control pills, there is a much smaller dose in mirena.

Furthermore, levonorgesterel in mirena is distributed directly to the womb lining, which means there are no progesterone-like effects that can occur when the hormone travels through the blood stream as is the case with oral contraceptives.

What are the benefits? Studies have found that most women with endometriosis and mirena treatment have experienced the following benefits:

• Reduced dysmenorrhea (pain before and during menses)
• Reduced dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse)
• Reduces the risk of developing endometrial cancer

The reduction in pain is likely from limited blood loss during menses, which is due to the fact that blood can not build up because levonorgesterel prevents the womb from building up a lining.

Are there any negative side effects? Some people believe that endometriosis and mirena treatment is not a good match, due to the fact that it does increase the risk of developing benign, fluid filled ovarian cysts. Although not cancerous, these cysts can be quite painful when they break and lead to other complications.

Some other negative side effects that have been reported include:

• Change in menses (IE. Prolonged, frequent or heavy bleeding, spotting, irregular periods, painful periods, or no period at all)

• Weight gain

• Headache or migraine

• Moodiness

• Depression

• Nervousness

• Back pain

• Breast pain

• Vaginal discharge

• Acne

• Hair loss or growth

• Inflamed cervix

• Loss of libido

• Abdominal bloating

• Etc.

Remember, if you are taking mirena and experience any of the above symptoms or those not listed, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away.

Is mirena right for me? To help you decide if your symptoms of endometriosis and mirena treatment might be compatible, the following is information regarding women with health conditions who shouldn't use this treatment:

• History or severe headaches or migraine
• Past, current, or suspected cases of cancer, especially those stimulated by sex hormones, as well as cervical cancer, liver cancer, and leukemia.
• History of ovarian cysts
• Risk of heart disease
• Angina
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• AIDS
• Past or current case of blood clots, or a blood disorder that increases the risk of blood clots
• Post-menopausal women who have shrunken wombs
• Pregnant women
• Uterine fibroids
• Infection in the uterus
• Etc.

If you have endometriosis and mirena treatment interests you, make sure you consult your health care provider for more information, and to find out if mirena is for you.