Endometriosis is a chronic, pain-inducing condition that affects women of reproductive age. It occurs when cells similar to those found in the uterus lining or endometrium are found outside of the uterus and attach to other organs or tissues. This changes their function and causes them to react as if they’re still in the uterus, shedding during menstruation and responding to hormones as if they were still there. The reaction of these “misplaced” endometrial cells in other locations produces the symptoms that make up the diagnosis of endometriosis.
Endometriosis is not a disease but rather a symptom of a disease. Endometriosis is neither uncommon nor rare; it affects women at rates similar to other gynecological disorders such as fibroids and ovarian cysts. The incidence of endometriosis is three times more common than that of ovarian cancer. Although it may seem logical to assume the condition is most common in those with infertility issues, there is no evidence that this is the case.
The symptoms of endometriosis are exacerbated because most women are unaware they have the disease because they often mimic other gynecological disorders. Additionally, women rarely report these symptoms to their doctors because they believe their pain and discomfort will be dismissed or misunderstood.
Many women have symptoms that don’t match up with the official diagnosis of endometriosis, and some never have any symptoms.
Although people tend to confuse the condition with a more common form of pelvic pain known as menstrual cramps, endometriosis is not a condition triggered by regular menstrual cycles. Endometriosis has nothing to do with hormonal changes caused by PMS or menopause.
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