Normal uterine tissue in the wrong place that causes inflammation and scarring. Endometriosis develops when tissue that is similar to the tissue that lines the uterus (endometrium tissue) is found outside the uterus. This tissue can end up anyplace in the body, but usually stays fairly near the uterus in the abdomen, and can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments that support the uterus. It can also be found in the area between the vagina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus; the lining of the pelvic cavity; and even on the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, and in abdominal surgical scars. The presence of these endometrium growths outside the uterus is called endometriosis.
Endometrium tissue, wherever it is found in the body, responds the same to the body’s monthly cycle of hormones: it builds up, breaks down and sheds off. If this happens where it should – in the uterus – the tissue and blood flows out from the uterus through the vagina and is called menstruation. When the endometrium is outside the uterus, it also responds to the body’s hormone signals by swelling and then shedding. This tissue and blood has no natural outlet, resulting in internal bleeding, inflammation, pain, scars, and adhesions. In short, it results in a mess.
- Irregular menstrual flow, primarily in the form of spotting, although sometimes as heavy flow
- Bumps and lumps felt during a pelvic exam or seen on a sonogram
- Pain during sex
- Pain during urination, especially during menstruation
- Painful bowel movement, especially during menstruation
- Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, diarrhea, or bloating
- Chemical sensitivities
- Backed-Up Menstrual Flow (a.k.a The Retrograde Menstruation Theory): This theory suggests that during menstruation, some of the menstrual tissue backs up in the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. From the fallopian tubes it migrates, implants in the abdomen, and grows. Some experts believe that this happens to a certain extent in all women and that some other imbalance, such as an immune system problem or a hormonal problem, must also be present in woman with endometriosis to allow this tissue to grow.
- Embryonic Theory: Perhaps during embryo formation, tissue destined for the uterus is misplaced. Another variation of this theory is that for some reason, some of the tissue in woman with endometriosis retains the ability to transform into different types of tissue – in this case into endometrium tissue.
- Defective Immune System Theory: Under this theory, something interferes with the immune system to cause it not to function properly. Environmental toxins and stress are factors that are suspected of impairing the immune system.
- Lymph System Out of Whack Theory: The renegade endometrium tissue is spread from the uterus to other parts of the body through the lymph system or the blood system.
- Genetic Theory: As the name implies, this theory suggests that there is a genetic connection to endometriosis or at the very least, some families may be predisposed to endometriosis.
- Surgical Transplantation Theory: Endometrium tissue is commonly found in abdominal scars of women with endometriosis, which begs the question of was it accidentally misplaced during surgery. Since plenty of women have endometriosis but have never had abdominal surgery, this seems a bit flimsy to me.
- Environmental Theory: Some believe that environmental toxins, such as dioxins, might be responsible for endometriosis.
- Stage 1 – minimal disease, superficial and filmy adhesions
- Stage 2 – mild disease, superficial and deep endometriosis
- Stage 3 – moderate disease, deep endometriosis and adhesions
- Stage 4 – severe disease, deep endometriosis, dense adhesion
There is not necessarily a direct correlation between the stage of endometriosis and the level of pain, infertility, or other symptoms.
“The overall risk of cancer does not increase after endometriosis, and where there are slightly increased risks they are in some of the less common cancers. . . We cannot say that endometriosis causes cancer, only that patients with endometriosis have a slightly higher risk of some kinds of cancers than the general female Swedish population. The true connection between cancer and endometriosis is not known.”
On the Creating a Family show, Dr. Martin said that the risk of ovarian cancer for a woman without endometriosis up to age 65 is 1%, and for women with endometriosis it is 1.3%.
- Observation with no medical intervention, other than pain control or anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Hormone treatment to reduce the estrogen that feeds the growth of endometrium tissue.
- Surgery to remove the endometrial growths and adhesions. The surgery option has several options:
- Laparoscopic or abdominal incision
- Coagulation (burning) or incision (cutting it out)
- Combined treatment
- Eating a healthful diet of low refined carbohydrates and limiting caffeine, sugar, preservatives, additives, red meats and processed foods has been shown to be helpful.
- An anti-inflammatory diet is helpful for some women.
- Herbs such as chasteberry, evening primrose oil, cat’s claw, bromelain, or turmeric. Talk with a trained herbalist about which ones are best, dosage, and preparation. Since these herbs have an effect on hormones, you must tell you doctor about all herbs you are taking.
- Acupuncture (with a trained practitioner)
- Bio Feedback
- Calling a nearby infertility clinic and see who they recommend.
- Contact the Endometriosis Association and ask about members in your area.
- Ask support group members who they like.
Creating a Family has many resources endometriosis. Five we think you will find particularly helpful are:
- Top Ten Facts about Endometriosis
- Creating a Family video on Endometriosis
- Endometriosis – Latest Developments in Treatment
- 6 Myths about Endometriosis You Probably Believe
Many more Creating a Family radio interviews with experts, videos, blogs, fact sheets, and Q and A’s with Experts on endometriosis can be found at the icons below.Sources: Creating a Family Radio shows (see below); Endometriosis Foundation of America Image credit: Danni Suplicki