Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images
When Does Endometriosis Return After Pregnancy?
Endometriosis symptomsmay temporarily improve during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, ovulation is inhibited, so the hormonal changes that cause endometriosis don’t occur.
Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images
Similarly, the hormonal changes that allow for breastfeeding can also inhibit ovulation.
Symptoms often return once hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels and menstrual cycles resume.
The condition happens when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus.
However, when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, the extra tissue has nowhere to go.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, hormone levels shift, and menstrual cycles usually stop.
Without the hormonal signals to grow and shed endometrial tissue, endometriosis symptoms are often reduced.
Menstruation typically begins between six to eight weeks after giving birth in individuals who aren’t breastfeeding.
Others find that their periods return sooner, often when they start introducing supplemental feedings in addition to breastmilk.
As a result, pregnancy and breastfeeding may only serve as temporary relief from endometriosis.
Misconceptions About Pregnancy and Endo
Unfortunately, pregnancy and lactation cannot cure endometriosis.
While symptoms mayimprove during pregnancyand breastfeeding, it’s not universally true.
Some individuals experience fewer symptoms during this period, while others do not see a change in their endometriosis.
A few even see worsening symptoms.
This may include surgery to remove extra endometrial tissue, fertility treatments, or both.
Breastfeeding May Reduce Symptoms Longer
Breastfeeding may help reduce endometriosis symptoms.
Endometriosis is related to estrogen levels, and breastfeeding lowers estrogen levels.
As a result, breastfeeding individuals may experience fewer endometriosis symptoms while exclusively breastfeeding.
The research on whether pregnancy and lactation affect the recurrence of endometriosis is sparse.
Endometriosis vs. Endometritis
Endometriosis is sometimes confused with another condition called endometritis.
Endometritis is an infection of the uterus, and it may occurafter childbirthor amiscarriage.
Symptoms include:
Treatment for endometritis requires antibiotics and potentially a hospital stay.
Treatment options are available that can reduce symptoms or improve the chances of getting pregnant again.
Non-Drug Treatments
Research is still emerging regarding non-medical treatments for endometriosis.
Endometriosis also increases the risk of miscarriage.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition, and there is no cure.
However, thepath of the diseaseis not well understood.
Some individuals may experience a resolution in symptoms, while others may experience worsening problems with time.
You may have fewer symptoms during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
2015;2015(10):CD001329.
2022;2022(2):hoac009.
doi:10.1093/hropen/hoac009
Tanbo T, Fedorcsak P.Endometriosis-associated infertility: aspects of pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment optionsActa Obstet Gynecol Scand.
2017;96(6):659-667. doi:10.1111/aogs.13082
MedlinePlus.Endometritis.
Office on Women’s Health.Endometriosis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine Health.Endometriosis.
