Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease where the tissue that lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) is found outside of the uterus. The tissue attaches itself on other organs and can spread over a larger area over time. It acts just like the tissue inside the uterus during the monthly menstrual
cycle. Endometrial implants, as this tissue is called, may be found anywhere in the body, but are mostly found in the pelvic region.(1 <#fn109285>) Often, these implants are seen on the outside of the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, or the uterus.

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but it occurs almost exclusively in menstruating women. It is rarely seen in women before puberty or after menopause, or in women who are not having monthly periods. One theory that explains how these cells get outside of the uterus is called the transport theory. The transport theory says that endometrial tissue moves to and attaches itself in the abdomen and other areas of the body by something called ?retrograde menstruation.? This means that the lining of the uterus that is shed at the end of the monthly cycle flows upwards instead of draining out of the body normally. The transport theory also says that the tissue may spread by going through the blood vessel circulation or the lymph nodes.(2 <#fn109286>)When the implants act along with the menstrual cycle, it often leads to inflammation in the areas around the implants. These cycles of bleeding and inflammation cause scar and fiber-like tissue to form in the abdomen. The organs may even become attached to each other.(3 <#fn109287>) Endometriomas are blood filled cysts that range in size from those that are so small that they can only be seen with a microscope to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches). They are often found on the ovaries. These cysts are commonly called ?chocolate cysts? because of their dark brown color. Small swellings may form on the muscular
tissue around the uterus. Women with endometriosis are often infertile.(3 <#fn109287>)

The number of women who have endometriosis is unknown. Women with endometriosis may have an increased risk for other diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism among other disorders.(4 <#fn114824>) This disease can be present without major
symptoms, and diagnosis is only possible through looking at the lesions during a surgery called laparoscopy, where a lighted tube is inserted into the abdomen or other affected area. The number of women 15 to 44 years of age with endometriosis is estimated to be between 10 and 20
percent.(5 <#fn109288>) Laparoscopic surgery provides a way to place the disease diagnosis into a specific stage, which helps the health care practitioner select an appropriate treatment for the patient. The stages are minimal (Stage I),mild (Stage II), moderate (Stage III), and severe (Stage IV). These stages are based on the location and size of the endometrial lesions, and the presence and extent of adhesions, fibrous structures by which parts abnormally stick together.(6 <#fn109289>)

Additional Links Back to Top <#top>

* Statistics about Endometriosis
* Signs and Symptoms of Endometriosis

Footnotes Back to Top <#top>
^1 Sagraves R, Letassy NA. Gynecologic Disorders. In: Koda-Kimble MA, Young LY, et al, eds. Applied Therapeutics, The clinical use of Drugs, 5th ed. Vancouver, Washington: Applied Therapeutics Inc; 1992:70-14 to 70-16.
^2 Ridley JH. The validity of Sampson?s theory of endometriosis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1961;62:777.
^3 Talbert LM, Kauma SM. Endometriosis. In: Scott JR, et al, eds. Danforth?s Obstetrics and Gynecology. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott Co; 1990:845.
^4 Sinaii N, et al. High rates of autoimmune and endocrine disorders, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and atopic diseases among women with endometriosis: a survey analysis. Hum Repr. Oct 2002;17(10):2715-24.
View Abstract view-abs.asp?fnid=114824&absid=107251>
^5 National Institutes of Health, NIH Publication number 91-2413.
^6 Buttram VC. Evolution of the revised American Fertility Society classification of endometriosis. Fertil Steril. 1985;43:347.
About Endometriosis
? Introduction
? Statistics
? Signs & Symptoms

*Treatment Options*

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