That's Fit

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.

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hello Fitz. I'm 5'8 and 103 pounds. I eat right and do cross country, so I burn off a lot of calories. But I just gained two pounds in one WEEK! Is it fat turning into muscle or do I need to exercise more. Michelle

A. Thanks for writing Michelle. I have two thoughts about your question. First. You are severely underweight right now, so I am concerned for your health. Please consult your physician. You doctor should be able to help you get on a healthier track. It would be an enigma for you to be both that light for your height and completely healthy.

Second thing. For anyone concerned about a two pound weight gain:our body weight can increase by as much as five or more pounds throughout one day, depending on how much we've consumed or perspired. I would pick one day per week, Wednesday for example, and step on the scale first thing in the morning while you are stark naked. This way, you'll get a true measure of your actual weight and are less likely to have inconsistencies. Your true weight will be revealed over time.

Q. Fitz, So many people have addressed the dangers of overeating and weight gain. There are many causes for overeating; message received.Why has the concept of under eating and weight gain not such a hot topic?

Like Matthew (the pilot with multiple abdominal surgeries) I have had many abdominal procedures, and early menopause which resulted in a complete hysterectomy. Since all of these surgeries, I do well if I consume at least 750 calories a day. If I'm not hungry I don't eat. But wait, there's more. Despite my low caloric intake (and yes, I am physically active - I live on a homestead with small animals that need a lot of care) and especially since my hysterectomy, my weight has jumped.

I know there must be some tie between low intake and weight but even with my activity level, it's not dropping an ounce. If I eat more, I just get cranky and swell. I'm doing something wrong, but I can't see it and no one is willing to at least point me in a direction. I would appreciate any comments and thoughts you have on this. Regards, Josie

Fibroids are non-cancerous muscle fiber growths that occur in the uterus, and 40% of women develop them during child-bearing years -- thankfully often without symptoms. But when fibroids do cause problems it's no small issue with heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic soreness, and pain being the most common symptoms that, until recently, almost always led to the same treatment. Having a hysterectomy has been the only option for women with problematic fibroids, but now there's the myomectomy -- a less invasive procedure that gives women another option.

Having a myomectomy may mean a faster surgical recovery and the continued option of childbirth, but it also means there's still a chance fibroids could return and a hysterectomy will be needed after all. But what's important here is that women now have a choice, and that's always a good thing.