What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, yet diagnosis often takes 7-10 years.

What is Endometriosis?

In endometriosis, tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of your uterus) grows in other places in your body. This tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus, and other organs in the pelvis like on the peritoneum.

Like the uterine lining, this tissue responds to hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle. It thickens, breaks down, and bleeds each month. But unlike the uterine lining, this blood has no way to exit your body, leading to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue.

Common Symptoms

• Painful periods - Often severe, may worsen over time
• Chronic pelvic pain - Not just during menstruation
• Pain during intercourse - Deep pain during or after sex
• Heavy bleeding - Heavy periods or bleeding between periods
• Infertility - Endometriosis is found in 25-50% of infertile women
• Fatigue - Chronic exhaustion is common
• Digestive issues - Bloating, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea

Causes

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but several theories exist:

1. Retrograde menstruation - Menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes
2. Cellular transformation - Cells outside the uterus transform into endometrial-like cells
3. Immune system dysfunction - The body fails to recognize and destroy misplaced tissue
4. Genetic factors - The condition tends to run in families

Getting a Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• A detailed medical history
• Pelvic examination
• Specialized ultrasound or MRI imaging
• Laparoscopy (However, the use of laparoscopy solely for diagnostic purposes is now largely discouraged)

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on severity and whether you want to become pregnant:

• Pain management - NSAIDs and other pain relievers
• Hormonal therapies - Birth control pills and progestins are used only when pregnancy is not desired; GnRH agonists may be used in more severe cases regardless of fertility goals (though they temporarily suppress ovulation).
• Surgery - Laparoscopic removal of endometrial tissue (However, the use of laparoscopy solely for diagnostic purposes is now largely discouraged)
• Lifestyle changes - exercise, stress management
• Anti-inflammatory supplements - e.g. Curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, NAC, ginger extract
• Vitamin and mineral support- Vitamin D, magnesium, B-vitamins
• Anti-inflammatory diet - Emphasizing whole foods, fiber, omega-3 sources; reducing wheat, cow’s dairy, processed red meat, ultra-processed foods, sweets and salty snacks
• Gut and immune support - Probiotics, prebiotics

If you suspect you have endometriosis, tracking your symptoms can help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis. Ona can help you log pain levels, cycle patterns, and other symptoms to share with your doctor.