Endometriosis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus (endometrial cells), but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometrial cells are the same cells that are shed each month during menstruation. The cells of endometriosis attach themselves to tissue outside the uterus and are called endometriosis implants. The implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity.

Causes of Endometriosis

Retrograde flow doesn't explain everything though, because it's often seen in women without endometriosis. For endometriosis to develop, something else such as an immune disorder is usually needed. There are measurable differences in the immune systems of women with endometriosis, but we don't know yet what the significance is.

Endometriosis may have a genetic component. The daughters and sisters of women with endometriosis are at a slightly higher risk of getting the disease.

Endometriosis Symptoms

Endometriosis does not follow any distinct pattern, which is why it is difficult for the medical profession to know that a woman has the disease. Some of the symptoms will mimic those of other health problems, including:

ovarian cysts
ectopic pregnancy
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
irritable bowel syndrom

Fatigue.
Painful urination during periods.
Infertility

The most common symptom noted by women with endometriosis is pelvic pain that is worse just before menstruation, which then improves at the end of your period.

Other common symptoms are pain during menstruation, pain with sexual intercourse, and infertility.

Treatment of Endometriosis

Progesterone counteracts estrogen and inhibits the growth of the endometrium. Progesterone therapy can reduce or eliminate menstruation in a controlled and reversible fashion. Progestins are chemical variants of natural progesterone. Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists) induce a profound hypoestrogenism by decreasing FSH and LH levels. While quite effective, they induce unpleasant menopausal symptoms, and over time may lead to osteoporosis.

Danazol (Danocrine) and gestrinone are suppressive steroids with some androgenic activity. Both agents inhibit the growth of endometriosis but their use remains limited as they may cause hirsutism. There has been some research done at Case Western Reserve University on a topical Danocrine, applied locally, which has not produced the hirsutism characteristics. Pseudopregnancy can be created using oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progesterone. Women take the medicine consistently for 6 to 9 months. This type of therapy relieves most of the symptoms, but does not prevent scarring from the disease.

Observation with no medical intervention

In mild cases of endometriosis, it may be possible to simply monitor the condition with regular visits to your doctor or gynaecologist. Antiprostaglandin medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and mefenamic acid) can help to control any associated pain.

If symptoms progress, talk over the medical options with your health care provider before making a final decision. Remember that a mild condition can become moderate to severe. Removal of adhesions through surgery is the most effective treatment to lessen the chances of recurrence.