Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, invades locations outside the uterus, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the abdominal cavity. Since endometrial tissue, regardless of location, responds to a woman's menstrual cycle, tissue that adheres to other organs builds up, breaks down, and bleeds during the course of a menstrual cycle. However, unlike tissue in the uterus, endometrial tissue in other locations is not expelled from the body, instead it pools and causes adhesions, leading to scarring, heavy bleeding, and pain. Endometriosis most common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea, in which pain is caused by a medical condition. It is also a cause of infertility problems.
Endometriosis can also cause a feeling of fullness, bowel movements during the period, and gastrointestinal such as diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. These symptoms lead some women to think they have PMS when they actually endometriosis.
Fact
More than 5.5 million women and girls in North America suffer endometriosis. On average, women are diagnosed in their late twenties, although many suffer for years before being diagnosed.
Causes
There are several theories about the cause of endometriosis, although none have been proven.
Reflux menstruation, in which menstrual tissue backs through the fallopian tubes and implants in the abdomen
Distribution by the lymph or blood system, in which tissue is distributed from the uterus to other parts body
Surgical transplantation, in which tissue is accidentally implanted in the abdominal cavity through surgery
Ability of the cells in the pelvic region to change into endometrial cells
Reflux menstruation is the most popular theory, but some experts argue there must be another mechanism involved since 90 percent of women experience tissue backup and only 5 percent develop endometriosis. These experts believe immune system or hormonal problems cause the tissue to grow.
Treatments
Many of the same strategies used to treat PMS are used to treat endometriosis. Doctors recommend NSAIDs and oral contraceptives to treat pain and reduce ovulation; other treatments include Lupron, a GnRH agonist which induces menopause-like effects. Surgical options include laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure to remove endometrial tissue from the affected organs, and hysterectomy.
Fact
When endometrial tissue invades the ovaries, it forms cysts known as endometriomas. These cysts are also known as “chocolate cysts” because they are filled with dark blood that resembles thick chocolate syrup.
