Oldham medic warns women's condition leads to brain damage

As if the chronic pelvic pain were not enough, an Oldham campaigner has now claimed that girls with endometriosis are more likely to experience migraines, bipolar, confusion, anxiety, and even eventual dementia.

Writing in a new blog calling for medics to examine the brain as well as the pelvis when it comes to endometriosis, Dr Anita Sharma said experts ought to consider that the condition may be causing the “brain fog” which has held back sufferers in their studies and work. 

In fact, the damage endo does might even affect personality, causing shifts in a sufferer’s character. 

 “The pitiful research done into endo means that until recently we had no evidence that it could even reach the brain” explained the founder of charity Endometriosis Awareness North.  

“We are just beginning to understand that the fatigue associated with it causes emotional problems, but now we are learning that endometrial cells are literally destroying the brain’s function.  

“This is alarming and had we not been so misogynist in our outlook to women’s health, we might have discovered this years ago.” 

Endometriosis is caused when cells usually found in the uterus adhere to other organs in the body.  

A small percentage of sufferers – including Oldham nurse Lucy Bowker – have had treatment for endo in the lungs and kidneys. Although rare, cerebral endometriosis can cause seizures and altered consciousness. 

“We simply do not know for definite what brain damage endo causes, and our assertions are reached by looking at how other conditions affect cognitive function,” revealed Dr Sharma.  

“For example, we base our concerns around dementia on oestrogen levels and how they promote Alzheimer’s. First of all, we need properly funded studies. We know endo debilitates – but could it also be a killer?” 

Dr Sharma wants the brain to be routinely examined via CAT and MRI scans as part of a holistic approach to treating endometriosis at specially designated clinics.  

“My hope has always been to see places where women can be scanned and diagnosed quickly, so that treatment can begin immediately.  

“This has to be preferable to patients going to A&E, being dismissed and then waiting a decade for a diagnosis. 

“I would also dearly love that one-stop shop to be developed here in Oldham. We are the community that has begun to shout about endo and see the likes of politicians, TV producers and even potential Prime Ministerial candidate Andy Burnham, sit up and take notice. 

“At present, Northern communities lag so far behind their Southern counterparts. Let us also be a leader in this borough and ensure that gap is closed forever.” 

Read Dr Sharma’s tract on endometriosis and cognitive decline by visiting https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/blogs 

Endometriosis Awareness North raises funds to support sufferers and their families, plus finding new tools to aid quicker diagnosis. The charity is currently funding research at the University of Manchester on self-harm and endometriosis.  

To support them, visit https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/