The tissue that lines the uterus is called the endometrium. Normally, if a woman doesn’t get pregnant, this tissue is shed each month during her period. In endometriosis, tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue implants outside the uterus. Each month, this misplaced tissue responds to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. It builds up, breaks down, and bleeds. But, the blood has nowhere to go. This causes surrounding tissue to become inflamed or swollen. It can also cause scar tissue, chronic pain, and heavy periods. Show
Endometriosis is a main cause of infertility in women. This can happen if the tissue implants in the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Tissue can also implant on other organs in the pelvis and in some cases, outside the pelvis. What causes endometriosis?The cause of endometriosis is not clear. It may be that during a woman’s period, some of the tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes into the belly. These cells can implant in the pelvis or be transported through the bloodstream or lymphatics to other parts of the body. Another theory suggests genes are to blame resulting in cells transforming into endometrial tissue. Current research is also looking at the role of the immune system. Who is at risk for endometriosis?Any woman may develop endometriosis, but the following women seem to be at an increased risk for the disease:
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?Each woman may experience symptoms differently, but these are the most common symptoms:
The amount of pain a woman has isn’t always related to the severity of the disease. Some women with severe disease may have no pain. Other women with a milder form of the disease may have severe pain or other symptoms. How is endometriosis diagnosed?First, your healthcare provider will review your health history. You will also have a physical exam and a pelvic exam. A laparoscopy is done to diagnose endometriosis. This uses a thin tube with a lens and a light at the end. It’s inserted into an incision in the abdominal wall to see into the pelvic area. The healthcare provider can often find the locations, extent, and size of the misplaced tissue. Other tests may include:
How is endometriosis treated?Your healthcare provider will consider your age, overall health, symptoms and other factors when advising what treatment is best for you. Whether you hope to become pregnant will also play a role in your choices. Treatment choices include medicine, surgery, or both. If symptoms are mild, you may only need pain medicine. In other cases, hormone-based medicine, such as birth control pills, will stop ovulation and slow endometriosis. Several choices can be used to remove the implants. Healthcare providers may be able to remove abnormal tissue growths using a laparoscope. In other cases, open surgery is needed. Surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) is also a choice. What are possible complications of endometriosis?Endometriosis can make it very hard or impossible for a woman to get pregnant. Sometimes surgery can help. But, in a few cases, women may remain infertile. Living with endometriosisSimple steps that can help ease the pain of endometriosis include:
Key points about endometriosis
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Why am I constipated and missed my period?Constipation. Hormonal changes are a common cause of constipation in women. The fluctuations can slow down bowel movements. Research suggests that constipation affects up to 38 percent of women during pregnancy, but it also affects many women just before their periods.
Can skipping your period cause constipation?You might be constipated between periods, too
Another period-related hormone, progesterone, can cause diarrhea in some people and constipation in others. Progesterone is responsible for the growth and thickening of the uterine walls, and it peaks right before ovulation. A buildup of the hormone can cause bowel issues.
Can bowel problems cause missed period?Thyroid problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Tuberculosis and Diabetes can also cause you to skip a period here and there.
Why am I so bloated and missed period?Conditions that may cause abdominal bloating and missed periods at the same time are: stress. medications such as birth control pills, chemotherapy drugs, and antidepressants. a tumor or structural blockage that affects an egg's release from the fallopian tubes.
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