Endometriosis is often a painful disorder in which tissue grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis (mayoclinic, 2022).
Symptoms:
- Painful periods – pelvic pain and cramping;
- Pain with bowel movements or urination;
- Excessive bleeding;
- Infertility;
- Fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods;
Causes – according to womenshealth.gov (2019):
- Problems with menstrual period flow;
- Genetic factors;
- Immune system problems;
- Hormones – estrogen appears to promote endometriosis;
- Surgery – surgeries to the abdominal area such as c-sections or hysterectomies, can cause endometrial tissue to attach to scars.
Risk factors;
- Never given birth;
- Starting your period at an early age;
- Going through menopause at an older age;
- Short menstrual cycles (eg. less than 27 days);
- Heavy menstrual periods that last longer than 7 days;
- Having higher levels of estrogen in your body;
- Low body mass index;
- Family history of endometriosis;
- Any medical condition that prevents the passage of blood from the body during menstrual periods;
- Disorders of the reproductive tract;
Complications:
- Infertility – approximately 1/3 – ½ of women with endometriosis have difficulty getting pregnant.
- Cancer – ovarian cancer occurs at higher than expected rates in those with endometriosis.
If you are at all concerned, always consult with your GP.