Experts are not sure what causesendometriosis.
Several theories exist, but no one theory provides a complete explanation.
Some researchers believe there are multiple causes that interact or overlap to cause endometriosis to develop.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
It can also flow through the fallopian tubes and into other areas of the body, like the pelvis.
It is likely that other factors play a role along with retrograde menstruation.
Menstruation can also cause a worsening of existingsymptoms of endometriosis.
The hormones that trigger endometrial tissues inside the uterus to grow and then shed also affect endometriosis tissues.
Because there is nowhere for this tissue to shed, it can build up outside the uterus.
Immune System
Many people with endometriosis appear to have otherimmune system disordersand reduced immunity to other conditions.
This is a similar mechanism to howcancer cells can spread.
The relationship is not yet fully understood as endometriosis can still occur without the influence of estrogen.
Researchers are exploring a possible link between endometriosis and a problem with the hormone system.
Who Is Most Affected by Endometriosis?
Why Can There Be a Delay in Diagnosis of Endometriosis?
What Causes Endometriosis Symptoms?
This doesn’t mean someone with endometriosis will be unable to get pregnant, but it may causedifficulties conceiving.
They are sometimes called chocolate cysts because of their dark brown color.
This is called an adhesion, and it can causepelvic pain.
Secondary Endometriosis Conditions
Endometriosis can overlap with other chronic pain syndromes, causing additional pain symptoms.
These can include:
Does Stress Cause Endometriosis?
Stress looks like it’s linked to endometriosis, but their exact relationship isn’t fully understood.
Another link may be related to inflammation, which is increased by stress and causes pain with endometriosis.
This usually is associated with taking menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).
It rarely occurs in people who have never taken MHT or the medicationtamoxifen.
Eventually, they found listening to their bodies and creating their own personal food practices was more manageable.
There is no known way to prevent endometriosis from developing.
Can Endometriosis Go Away?
Symptoms often go away after menopause because endometriosis growths can shrink with lowered estrogen levels.
If left untreated, endometriosis might improve on its own, but it can alsoget worse.
If symptoms are tolerable, watching symptoms for changes before beginningtreatmentis an option.
What Is the Latest Research on Endometriosis?
Researchis looking into the possibility ofendometriosisbeing an autoimmune disease.
Some studies suggest that it may be due to a combination of retrograde menstruation and an immune response.
To date, there is still no fully supported or understood theory for what causes endometriosis.
For moresevere pain, prescription medications may be recommended by your healthcare provider.
Multiple factors at one time may be involved.
Endometriosis can cause inflammation leading to problems with surrounding organs, such as constipation.
Endometriosis can lead to blood-filled ovarian cysts, scar tissue, and adhesions.Problems with fertilitycan also occur with endometriosis.
Endometriosis is currently being researched as a possible autoimmune disease.
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