Why does endometriosis occur

Blocking the production of estrogen prevents menstruation and creates an artificial menopause. GnRH therapy has side effects like vaginal dryness and hot flashes.

Taking small doses of estrogen and progesterone at the same time can help to limit or prevent these symptoms. Danazol is another medication used to stop menstruation and reduce symptoms.

While taking danazol, the disease may continue to progress. Danazol can have side effects, including acne and hirsutism. Hirsutism is abnormal hair growth on your face and body. The goal of conservative surgery is to remove or destroy endometrial growths without damaging the reproductive organs. Laparoscopy , a minimally invasive surgery, is used to both visualize and diagnose, endometriosis.

It is also used to remove the endometrial tissue. A surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen to surgically remove the growths or to burn or vaporize them. During a total hysterectomy, a surgeon removes the uterus and cervix. They also remove the ovaries because these organs make estrogen, and estrogen causes the growth of endometrial tissue.

Additionally, the surgeon removes visible implant lesions. A hysterectomy is not usually considered a treatment or cure for endometriosis. During a regular menstrual cycle, your body sheds the lining of your uterus.

This allows menstrual blood to flow from your uterus through the small opening in the cervix and out through your vagina. One of the oldest theories is that endometriosis occurs due to a process called retrograde menstruation. This happens when menstrual blood flows back through your fallopian tubes into your pelvic cavity instead of leaving your body through the vagina.

Another theory is that hormones transform the cells outside the uterus into cells similar to those lining the inside of the uterus, known as endometrial cells. Others believe the condition may occur if small areas of your abdomen convert into endometrial tissue. This may happen because cells in your abdomen grow from embryonic cells, which can change shape and act like endometrial cells. These displaced endometrial cells may be on your pelvic walls and the surfaces of your pelvic organs, such as your bladder, ovaries, and rectum.

They continue to grow, thicken, and bleed over the course of your menstrual cycle in response to the hormones of your cycle.

Another theory is that the endometrial cells are transported out of the uterus through the lymphatic system. Some believe endometriosis might start in the fetal period with misplaced cell tissue that begins to respond to the hormones of puberty. This is often called Mullerian theory.

The development of endometriosis might also be linked to genetics or even environmental toxins. Different factors determine the stage of the disorder. These factors can include the location, number, size, and depth of endometrial implants. In minimal endometriosis, there are small lesions or wounds and shallow endometrial implants on your ovary. There may also be inflammation in or around your pelvic cavity. Mild endometriosis involves light lesions and shallow implants on an ovary and the pelvic lining.

Even so, many with mild to moderate endometriosis can still conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Doctors sometimes advise those with endometriosis not to delay having children because the condition may worsen with time.

Ovarian cancer does occur at higher than expected rates in those with endometriosis. But the overall lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is low to begin with. Some studies suggest that endometriosis increases that risk, but it's still relatively low. Although rare, another type of cancer — endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma — can develop later in life in those who have had endometriosis. Endometriosis care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Endometriosis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Endometriosis With endometriosis, bits of the uterine lining endometrium — or similar endometrial-like tissue — grow outside of the uterus on other pelvic organs.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Fertilization and implantation Open pop-up dialog box Close. Fertilization and implantation During fertilization, the sperm and egg unite in one of the fallopian tubes to form a zygote. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Endometriosis. Office on Women's Health. Accessed Jan. Schenken RS. Endometriosis: Pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis. Oral contraceptives, with combined estrogen and progestin a synthetic form of progesterone hormones, to prevent ovulation and reduce menstrual flow.

Laparoscopy also used to help diagnose endometriosis : A minor surgical procedure in which a laparoscope, a thin tube with a lens and a light, is inserted into an incision in the abdominal wall; using the laparoscope to see into the pelvic area, the doctor can often remove the endometrial growths. Laparotomy : A more extensive surgery to remove as much of the displaced endometrium as possible without damaging healthy tissue.

Hysterectomy : Surgery to remove the uterus and possibly the ovaries. Our experts offer women experiencing fibroids a wide range of treatment options, including alternatives to hysterectomy. Sometimes, a combination of therapies is used, such as conservative surgery laparoscopy or laparotomy , along with hormone therapy. Some women also benefit from alternative treatments used in conjunction with other medical and surgical therapies for the treatment of endometriosis.

These include:. It is important to discuss any or all of these treatments thoroughly with your health care provider, as some may conflict with the effectiveness of others. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Endometriosis Definition Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition affecting an estimated 2 to 10 percent of American women of childbearing age.

Read more. Causes of Endometriosis The causes of endometriosis are still unknown. Where Endometriosis Can Occur The most common sites of endometriosis include: The ovaries The fallopian tubes Ligaments that support the uterus uterosacral ligaments The posterior cul-de-sac, i. Risk Factors of Endometriosis While any woman may develop endometriosis, the following women seem to be at an increased risk for the disease: Women who have a first-degree relative mother, sister, daughter with the disease Women who are giving birth for the first time after age 30 Women with an abnormal uterus Endometriosis Symptoms The following are the most common symptoms for endometriosis, but each woman may experience symptoms differently or some may not exhibit any symptoms at all.

Relationship of Endometriosis to Infertility Endometriosis is considered one of the three major causes of female infertility. Diagnosing Endometriosis For many women, simply having a diagnosis of endometriosis brings relief.

Other examinations that may be used in the diagnosis of endometriosis include: Ultrasound : A diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs CT scan : A noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images — often called slices — of the body to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary X-ray MRI scan : A noninvasive procedure that produces a two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure Stages of Endometriosis A staging, or classification, system for endometriosis has been developed by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

The stages are classified as follows: Stage 1: Minimal Stage 2: Mild Stage 3: Moderate Stage 4: Severe The stage of endometriosis is based on the location, amount, depth and size of the endometrial tissue.

As well as support from your doctor, you may find it helpful to contact a support group, such as Endometriosis UK , for information and advice. In addition to detailed information about endometriosis, Endometriosis UK has a directory of local support groups , a helpline on , and an online community for women affected by the condition.

It's likely the condition is caused by a combination of different factors. Page last reviewed: 18 January Next review due: 18 January Endometriosis can affect women of any age. Symptoms of endometriosis The symptoms of endometriosis can vary. The main symptoms of endometriosis are: pain in your lower tummy or back pelvic pain — usually worse during your period period pain that stops you doing your normal activities pain during or after sex pain when peeing or pooing during your period feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee during your period difficulty getting pregnant You may also have heavy periods.

When to see a GP See a GP if you have symptoms of endometriosis, especially if they're having a big impact on your life. It may help to write down your symptoms before seeing a doctor.