What is Endometriosis?
By: Auna Hoyle
Happy March, friends! March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and we want to provide education and information surrounding endometriosis. (FYI: This is not a comprehensive overview of endometriosis and should not take the place of any information provided by a medical professional).
What is endometriosis?
The endometrium is the glandular cell layer that lines the uterus, and, under the influence of ovarian hormones, grows and sheds each month as part of the menstrual cycle. Endometriosis is a chronic disease where this endometrial tissue grows the outside of the uterus. This extrauterine tissue also gets stimulated by ovarian hormones, and can swell and bleed, causing pain and inflammation. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that roughly 190 million people of reproductive age are affected by endometriosis.
What causes endometriosis?
The WHO describes three different factors that can contribute to the disease’s development. Retrograde menstruation occurs when menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows backward through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity., where endometrial-like cells can then be deposited outside the uterus and grow. Another potential cause is cellular metaplasia, in which cells that are outside the uterus can change into endometrial-like cells and can begin to grow. Lastly, stem cells can give rise to the disease and spread through the body through the blood and lymphatic vessels.
There is no one specific cause. Genetics can play a role, as some families seem to be affected more than others.
What symptoms are associated with endometriosis?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the most common symptoms are painful periods, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, and painful bowel movements. Each person’s experience and symptoms with endometriosis are going to be different. Just because you experience some of these symptoms does not mean you have endometriosis—but if you have concerns, there are a few different ways that endometriosis can be diagnosed.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
A laparoscopy can be done to diagnose endometriosis. This entails a small incision in the abdomen through which the surgeon can insert a camera to look around the abdominal and pelvic cavity. If the provider sees any endometriosis-like changes, a biopsy can be done to confirm a diagnosis. While this is only way to definitely diagnose endometriosis, in clinical settings, providers often make the diagnosis based on medical history and symptoms; and in some cases, an MRI or ultrasound can be done to look for signs of endometriosis.
Endometriosis can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions that cause pelvic pain. It is important to see a provider that can assess your symptoms to determine if you may have endometriosis.
Endometriosis is very treatable! We’d love to see you in the clinic if you are concerned with any of your symptoms or have any questions. Please schedule an appointment with us by calling (406) 587-0681 or schedule online.
Again, this is not a complete and comprehensive examination of endometriosis. But we want to honor how challenging and confusing, shocking, upsetting, or maybe even relieving to hear that you could have an answer to the symptoms you have experienced. All those emotions are welcome. Give your friends with endometriosis a hug today (with their permission, of course)!!