Endometriosis is a condition in which bits of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grow in other parts of the body (and within the uterus). Like the uterine lining, this tissue builds up and sheds in response to monthly hormonal cycles. The blood discarded from these implants falls onto surrounding organs, causing swelling and inflammation. This repeated irritation leads to the development of scar tissue and adhesions.
Description
Endometriosis is estimated to affect 7% of women of childbearing age in the United States. It most commonly strikes between the ages of 25 and 40. Endometriosis can also appear in the teen years, but never before the start of menstruation. It is seldom seen in postmenopausal women.
Endometriosis was once called the "career woman's disease" because it was thought to be a product of delayed childbearing. The statistics defy such a narrow generalization; however, pregnancy may slow the progress of the condition. Women whose periods last longer than a week with an interval of less than 27 days between them seem to be more prone to the condition.
Endometrial implants are most often found on the pelvic organs, including the ovaries, uterus, fallopian
tubes, and in the cavity behind the uterus. Occasionally, this tissue grows in such distant parts of the body as the lungs, arms, and kidneys. Ovarian cysts may form around endometrial tissue (endometriomas) and may range from pea to grapefruit size. Endometriosis is a progressive condition that usually advances slowly over the course of many years. Doctors rank cases from minimal to severe based on factors such as the number and size of the endometrial implants, their appearance and location, and the extent of the scar tissue and adhesions in the vicinity of the growths.
Causes & symptoms
Although the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, a number of theories have been put forward. Some of the more popular ones are:
Implantation theory. This theory states that a reversal in the direction of menstrual flow sends discarded endometrial cells into the body cavity where they attach to internal organs and seed endometrial implants. There is considerable evidence to support this explanation. Reversed menstrual flow occurs in 70-90% of women and is thought to be more common in women with endometriosis.
Vascular-lymphatic theory. This theory suggests that the lymph system or blood vessels (vascular system) are the vehicles for distribution of endometrial cells out of the uterus.
Coelomic metaplasia theory. According to this hypothesis, remnants of tissue left over from prenatal development of the woman's reproductive tract transform into endometrial cells throughout the body.
Induction theory. This explanation postulates that an unidentified substance found in the body forces cells from the lining of the body cavity to change into endometrial cells.
In addition to these theories, the following factors are thought to influence the development of endometriosis:
Heredity. A woman's chance of developing endometriosis is seven times greater if her mother or sisters have the disease.
Immune system function. Women with endometriosis may have lower functioning immune systems that have trouble eliminating stray endometrial cells. This would explain why a high percentage of women experience reversed menstrual flow while relatively few develop endometriosis.
Dioxin exposure. Some research suggests a link between the exposure to dioxin (TCCD), a toxic chemical found in weed killers, and the development of endometriosis.
While many women with endometriosis suffer debilitating symptoms, others have the disease without knowing it. Strangely, there does not seem to be any relation between the severity of the symptoms and the extent of the disease. The most common symptoms are:
Menstrual pain. Pain in the lower abdomen that begins a day or two before the menstrual period starts and continues until the end is typical of endometriosis. Some women also report lower back aches, and pain during urination and bowel movement, especially during their periods.
Painful sexual intercourse. Pressure on the vagina and cervix causes severe pain for some women.
Abnormal bleeding. Heavy menstrual periods, irregular bleeding, and spotting are common features of endometriosis.
Infertility. There is a strong association between endometriosis and infertility, although the reasons for this have not been fully explained. It is thought that the build-up of scar tissue and adhesions blocks the fallopian tubes and prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. Endometriosis may also affect fertility by causing hormonal irregularities and a higher rate of early miscarriage.
Diagnosis
The first step is to perform a pelvic exam to try to feel if implants are present. Very often there is no strong evidence of endometriosis from a physical exam. The only way to make a definitive diagnosis is through minor surgery called a laparoscopy. A laparoscope, a slender scope with a light on the end, is inserted into the woman's abdomen through a small incision near her belly button. This allows the doctor to examine the internal organs. Often, a sample of tissue is taken for later examination in the laboratory. Endometriosis is sometimes discovered when a woman has abdominal surgery for another reason such as tubal ligation or hysterectomy.
Various imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography scan (CT scan), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can offer additional information but aren't useful in making the initial diagnosis. A blood test may also be ordered because women with endometriosis have higher levels of the blood protein CA125. Testing for this substance before and after treatment can predict a recurrence of the disease, but is not reliable as a diagnostic tool.
Treatment
Although severe endometriosis should not be self-treated, many women find they can help relieve symptoms through alternative therapies. In a survey conducted by the Endometriosis Association, 40-60% of the women who used alternative medicines reported relief of pain and other symptoms.
Diet
A high-fiber diet, particularly from grains and beans, may decrease cramping and inflammation. The oils in seeds, nuts, and certain fish (cod, salmon, mackerel, and sardines) may help to relieve cramping. Carrots, beets, lemons, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, garlic, citrus fruits, vegetables, chicory, radicchio, and yogurt may help to reduce symptoms. Some women have found relief when they turned to a macrobiotic diet (one that is very restrictive and intended to prolong life). Occasionally, an allergy elimination diet may be recommended.
Sugar and animal fats can increase inflammation and aggravate pain. Milk and meat may contain hormones so they should be avoided. Vegetarian or vegan diets may be recommended for those with endometriosis.
How endometriosis is treated depends on the woman's symptoms, her age, the extent of the disease, and her personal preferences. The condition cannot be fully eradicated without surgery. Treatment focuses on managing pain, preserving fertility, and delaying the progress of the condition.
Hormonal therapies effectively tame endometriosis but also act as contraceptives. They include oral contraceptives, synthetic male hormones (danazol, gestrinone), progestins, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists.
Surgery
Endometrial implants and ovarian cysts can be removed with laser surgery performed through a laparoscope. For women with minimal endometriosis, this technique is usually successful in reducing pain and slowing disease progress. It may also help infertile women increase their chances of becoming pregnant.
Removing the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes (a hysterectomy) is the only permanent method of eliminating endometriosis. This is an extreme measure that deprives a woman of her ability to bear children and forces her body into menopause.
Expected results
Most women who have endometriosis have minimal symptoms and do well. Overall, endometriosis symptoms come back in an average of 40% of women over the five years following treatment. A 2002 review found that teenagers and young women under the age of 22 years have almost twice the chance of symptom recurrence after surgical removal of endometriosis compared with older women. Some researchers now believe that younger women may have a different form of endometriosis than that found in older women.
With hormonal therapy, pain returned after five years in 37% of patients with minimal symptoms and 74% of those with severe cases. The highest success rate from conservative treatment followed complete removal of implants using laser surgery. Of these women, 80% were still pain-free five years later. Hysterectomy may be necessary should other treatments fail.
Prevention
There is no proven way to prevent endometriosis. One study, however, indicated that girls who begin participating in aerobic exercise at a young age are less likely to develop the condition.
BOOKS
Ballweg, Mary Lou. The Endometriosis Sourcebook. Chicago: Congdon & Weed, 1995.
D'Hooghe, Thomas M. and Joseph A. Hill. "Endometriosis" in Novak's Gynecology, edited by Jonathan S. Berek, et al., 12th ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1996.
Malesky, Gail. "Endometriosis." Nature's Medicines: from Asthma to Weight Gain, from Colds to High Cholesterol—the Most Powerful All-Natural Cures. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1999.
Trickey, Ruth. Women, Hormones & The Menstrual Cycle: Herbal & Medical Solutions From Adolescence to Menopause. St. Leonards, Australia: Allen & Unwin, 1998.
PERIODICALS
Aesoph, Lauri M. "Nature's Rx for Endometriosis." Let's Live 67 (June 1999): 70+.
Drexler, Madeline. "What Can You Do About Endometriosis?" Self 17 (January 1995):122+.
Johnson, Kate. "Endometriosis Symptoms often Recur in Teens (Postsurgery Complaints)." Pediatric News (September 2002):43.
ORGANIZATIONS
Endometriosis Association International Headquarters. 8585 North 76th Place, Milwaukee, WI 53223. (800) 992-3636. http://EndometriosisAssn.org.
Sign up with Facebook
