Endometriosis is a condition that was discussed a lot in my house when I hit puberty and started experiencing menstrual cramping that brought me to my knees. My mother was diagnosed with it (and told she needed a hysterectomy) when she gave birth to me -- that was, of course, after more than 25 years of truly unbearable cramping during menstruation and 10 years of trying to conceive with no luck. She had seen doctors about the pain and was basically told it was in her head.

So, when I came across this post at Divine Caroline on the "Devastating Effects of Endometriosis," I took a moment to read it over, and boy am I glad I did. It turns out that endometriosis can cause a lot more than just miserable cramping.

Endometriosis "occurs when fragments of the womb lining are found in other parts of the body where they may swell, bleed, and lead to fusing and scarring." Fragments are generally found in the abdomen, but can be found in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and bowel -- even as far away as the lungs. And, it can cause infertility -- between 30 and 40 percent of women with endometriosis are unable to conceive.

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I have yet to meet a women who doesn't complain about her period. Goodness knows I have. We worry about it's arrival each month (admit it -- you've counted days on a calendar worrying about whether "it" will come during prom or your wedding or your beach vacation). But when it doesn't arrive like clockwork, that's worrisome in a whole other way. For women with irregular periods the question is usually "why?"

Researchers from four universities surveyed women and found that only 28% had perfectly regular cycles. The reasons for irregular periods vary. Here are just some of the possibilities:

• Late periods. If you're over 45 and your periods are stretching out for longer periods of time you might be perimenopausal. If you're under 45, talk to your doctor -- you may have a hormone imbalance.

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One of the first rules I learned when I took up yoga was that I had to avoid inversions like headstand, shoulder stand and plow when I'm on my cycle. I never bothered to ask why. But after doing some research, I found out that it's thought that because inversions cause the blood to flow in the opposite direction, it can lead to disruptions in regular flow and even cause endometriosis. ouch!

But don't take this as gospel -- there are no studies to back this claim up. At the same time, there are no studies that show that inversions don't cause problems. So what to do? Listen to your body, and perhaps err on the side of caution.

What do you think?

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At a recent check up, I must have been looking a little tired. My practitioner said, "So, mama, do you take better care of your family than you do of yourself?" Though I do try to take good care of myself too, many women have a tendency to put themselves last -- even when it comes to recognizing symptoms of serious health conditions.

Even if you've been known to be the last one in bed when the flu storms through the house or to give the last glass of orange juice to your sniffling husband, here are six warning signs you should never ignore. Though most aches and pains are simply a part of life, some pains deserve a second look to rule out something more serious going on. Recurrent stomach pain, painful periods, sore gums, and hoarseness are all on that list.

And this Mother's Day, remember that you deserve good care too. While you're busy taking care of your family's needs, be sure to turn that love around on yourself now and then too.

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