Endometriosis can happen in any girl or woman who has menstrual periods, but it is more common in women in their 30s and 40s. You might be more likely to get endometriosis if you have: Never had children. Menstrual periods that last more than seven days.
Studies show that women are at higher risk for endometriosis if they: Have a mother, sister, or daughter with endometriosis. Started their periods at an early age (before age 11) Have short monthly cycles (less than 27 days)
Endometriosis is an idiopathic condition, meaning there is no known cause. There are also no specific ways to prevent endometriosis. However, being aware of the symptoms and whether you could be at higher risk can help you know when to discuss it with a doctor.
About one in 10 women of childbearing age has endometriosis. It can affect fertility, so it's important to know if you or your daughters are at risk. The disorder is sometimes painful, with tissue that normally lines the uterus growing in the pelvis and other places outside the uterus.
Endometriosis is a painful chronic condition. In Australia it affects at least one in 9 girls and women and those assigned female at birth.
It is a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes depression, anxiety, and infertility.
Excess estrogen, genes and the immune system may all play a role in the development of this condition (14,18-21). There is evidence that endometriosis can be passed down through families (21-23). This means a person may be more likely to have it if someone in their biological family does, too.
Lifestyle factors such as alcohol/caffeine intake, smoking, and physical activity influence estrogen levels in the body and, therefore, may impact development of endometriosis.
"Dairy products containing growth hormones and antibiotics can also worsen endometriosis symptoms." “Avoid soy foods when possible as they can be estrogenic,” Hartung said. “Estrogen can cause the uterus to thicken and can trigger endometriosis to grow.”
There's no specific diet that will prevent or cure endometriosis but eating anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce symptoms and help you feel better.
Untreated endometriosis can cause significant pain, bloating, excess menstrual bleeding, and digestive distress. Over time, it can also affect a person's fertility. When endometriosis tissue grows outside the uterus, it can affect other organs — especially the ovaries and reproductive structures.
Symptoms of endometriosis
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.
Endometriosis flare-ups are periods of worsened pain and other symptoms that hormonal changes and increased inflammation trigger in the body. These triggers can occur with stress, lack of sleep, alcohol use, and inflammatory foods.
An experienced gynecologist may suspect endometriosis based on a woman's symptoms and the findings during a pelvic exam. Currently, the only way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopy – a minor minimally invasive surgical procedure that is done under general anesthesia (while the patient is asleep).
“Exercise is not a cure for endometriosis, but it can certainly help with some of the pain and mood changes that are associated with it.” The mood-boosting effect of exercise is especially important because depression and anxiety sometimes occur along with endometriosis.
The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. Although many experience cramping during their menstrual periods, those with endometriosis typically describe menstrual pain that's far worse than usual. Pain also may increase over time.