The Endometriosis Association

SELECTED BACK ISSUES OF THE NEWSLETTER

We publish six issues a year (double issues count for two). Not all issues are offered for resale. To keep up, stay a member! $3.00 U.S./$4.50 Canada per issue.

Vol. 15, No. 3. Does Endometriosis Run in Families? Overview of the results of several studies of familial links, one involving the EA's data registry participants, one a Norwegian study of identical and fraternal twins, and the attempts to locate a gene for endometriosis. Also, members’ family stories of endo; a report on the Association president’s visit to some of our international groups, and regular features.

Vol. 18, No. 3-4. Coping With Endometriosis is a double issue addressing the emotional side of endo. It contains helpful information such as confronting hidden emotions; getting the support you need; how coping styles affect your health; educating friends and family; members' stories, tips, and poems; asserting yourself in the doctor's office; and researching your diagnosis. Also includes a research update on laparoscopic surgery for infertility and endo, a health insurance update, and regular features.

Vol. 19, No. 1-2. World Congress Breaks New Ground with Patient Participation summarizes the VI World Congress on Endometriosis. It contains extensive results of the largest patient survey ever, showing the disease is starting younger and is becoming more severe; the long delay to diagnosis, and which treatments worked best for members. Also includes summaries of presentations given by patient representatives from five continents, personal views from the Congress, and details of the first world medical society for endo, book reviews, and regular features.

COLLECTED ARTICLES FROM EARLIER NEWSLETTERS

Research Collection: This assortment of articles covers interesting directions in endo research, including the Association's new research facility at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, reports from the Second International Symposium on Endometriosis, and the Third and Fourth World Congress on Endometriosis. Topics include theories on the causes of endometriosis and findings on the relationship between endo and the immune system, endo and infertility, and dysmenorrhea. Plus "Updates" on such topics as RU-486, immune abnormalities and endo, bone mineral density and endo, endo and cone biopsy; the relationship between body fat and endo and red hair and endo; basal body temperature in women with endo; designer estrogens, antiestrogens, and bisphosphonates; and laparoscopic surgery on infertile women with endo. Also "The Woman with Endometriosis: Ignored, Dismissed, and Devalued." $7.50 U.S./$11 C

Environmental Toxins and Endo: This collection reveals important findings on the relationship between the environment and endometriosis, including the exciting story of the Association's discovery that dioxin can cause endometriosis; information on hormone-disrupters--toxic chemicals which mimic natural hormones of the body--and the apparent damage they have on wildlife and humans; research findings by Theo Colborn, Ph.D., (See Our Stolen Future) ; and updates on the EA's involvement with Health Care Without Harm--a campaign to end medical incineration which produces dioxin. Also includes a list of other organizations participating in the campaign, a summary on the 1997 Reproductive Toxins Conference, and information on dioxin-free menstrual supplies. $4.25 U.S./$6.25 C.

Endometriosis and Cancer: What is the Connection? Originally spanning three double-issue newsletters, this collection helps awaken women with endo and their families to their risk for specific cancers so we may take action and manage the factors which we can control. Contains easy-to-understand summaries of numerous research studies on cancer and endo, comprehensive glossary and bibliography, stories of women with endo and cancer, dietary guidelines to reduce risk, prevention tips, and pages of helpful resources for additional information and support. Over 30 pages. $7.50 U.S./$11 C.

SPECIAL ARTICLES FROM THE NEWSLETTER

The cost of each special article is $2.00 U.S./$3.00 Canada.

Why the EA is International. Research develops faster, myths are dispelled more completely, women are empowered faster, and information and support are exchanged universally when we "go global." Learn how the Endometriosis Association is making this happen.

Managed Care and Endo. Two leading laparoscopic endo surgeons discuss the problems of managed care as related to women with endo. Also, tips on dealing with HMOs and insurance companies, members' experiences, a funny poem entitled "Sam I Am--The Insurance Man", and updates on health insurance reform.

Endo Online discusses the pluses and minuses of health networking on the Internet, finding support through chat rooms and bulletin boards, and introduces the Association's web site, online catalog, and chat rooms.

Endometriosis and Candida albicans: Even more Startling Connections. This enlightening article is chock full of useful information on the most frequently reported successful long-term treatment for endo: a case history of a comprehensive treatment program, members' experiences, a Candida-allergy-hormone balancing program, scientific background and references, tips for avoiding these problems, as well as important information on the link between allergies and endo. If this subject is new to you, be sure to read the three chapters on it in our book, Overcoming Endometriosis.

Nutrition and Endometriosis discusses nutritional strategies to help manage the symptoms of endo. Learn how eating better can lower estrogen levels, decrease inflammation, and reduce pain while building better health, a stronger immune system, and improved ability to handle stress and pain. Explains the science along with practical tips for bolstering your diet with certain oils, vitamins, and minerals.

Am I Going to Die?---Teens and Endo. Yes, teens do get endo. Since early detection offers the best opportunity to slow the progression of the disease and to help maintain fertility options, control pain, and improve the girls quality of life, this informative piece is a must read for teens and their parents. Covers experiences of teens with endo including letters from teens, mothers, and older women with endo remembering their struggles as teens, the Association's teen program pioneered in Boston, and the Teen Support Program which includes the "Big Sister" Program, TeenSource newsletter, teen Internet chat room, and Teen Contact Network.

Why Suffer Emotionally More Than Necessary? Tips from leading expert Dr. Flapan on how a person with a chronic disease can deal with loved ones and friends, focusing particularly on how to communicate with them and avoid having feelings hurt by their reactions to the disease.

The Problems with Perfume include adverse reactions such as headache, sinus pain, nausea, dizziness, inability to concentrate, mood changes, depression, lethargy, restlessness, and even anaphylactic shock and seizures. This article discusses why such reactions are becoming more common and why we should be concerned.

Mitral Valve Prolapse is a condition for which women with endo seem to be at risk. This update of an earlier article discusses mitral valve prolapse—typical symptoms, possible consequences, diagnosis, medications, exercise and diet tips, magnesium supplementation, the use of antibiotics, and more.

Medical Records: Do You Know What’s in Yours? Covers importance of medical records for women with endo, how to obtain the records, and related concerns.

Success Stories offer hope through diverse experiences: naturopathic approach; birth of second child despite progesterone level problems; goals attained through perseverance and patience; evening primrose oil and vitamin therapy; support gained through sharing experiences.