During the menstrual cycle the endometrial (the lining of the womb) tissue thickens (just before a period) and the tissue sheds (during a period).
In endometriosis the same endometrial tissue (the lining of the womb/uterus wall) is found outside uterus areas include:
Outside surface of the uterus
Pelvis and lower abdomen
Fallopian tubes
Spaces between the bladder uterus and rectum,
Wall of the rectum(anus)
bladder
Intestines
Appendix
Lungs
Arm
Thigh
Skin
Harvard Health publications
In endometriosis the same tissue can thicken (just like in the menstrual cycle) and can shed causing bloody symptoms and/or grow causing blood-filled cysts, these can rupture as well as causing long term inflammation, pain and adhesions (scar tissue formation).
Depending on the area of the tissue in the body it can cause a range of symptoms.
Endometrial tissue on the ovaries may form into large blood/fluid-filled cysts. These are called endometriomas.
The aim is to control oestrogen levels so the tissue does not swell excessively.
Cause
Unknown
Genetics – the condition tends to run in families, and affects people of certain ethnic groups more than others
Retrograde menstruation – when some of the womb lining flows up through the fallopian tubes and embeds itself on the organs of the pelvis, rather than leaving the body as a period, blockage of period and/or causes include:
Uterine fibroids
Uterine polyps
Retrograde uterus (also known as a tilted uterus) in which the uterus curves in a backward position at the cervix rather than forward
Congenital uterus malformations, including cryptomenorrhea (in which menstruation occurs but cannot be seen due to a congenital obstruction)
Asynchronous vaginal contractions, in which the vagina contracts abnormally and/or excessively during menstruation
Problem with the immune system, the body’s natural defence against illness and infection
Endometrial cells spreading through the body in the bloodstream or lymphatic system (a series of tubes and glands that form part of the immune system)
NHS Choices
Heavy menstrual flow
Short menstrual cycle (27 days or less)
Long periods (longer than seven days)
Early age (before the age of 12) of first menstruation
Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
Close female relative with endometriosis (Mother, sister,daughter)
Being pregnant for the first time above the age of 30 years
Ethnicity: white skinned females
Females with abnormal uterus or fallopian tubes or any abnormality in that abdominal genital area.
Abdominal surgeries like a cesarean section (C-section) or hysterectomy can sometimes displace endometrial tissue. Any remaining tissues not destroyed by the immune system may implant themselves outside of the uterus, leading to endometriosis.
Degenerative disc disease and congenital abnormalities of the reproductive tract (i.e. hemivagina, vaginal septum)
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Endometriosis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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