Endometriosis is unfortunately a fairly common disease, because even around 10% of women are affected by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Contrary to appearances, this is not a small percentage, and the condition makes life much more difficult for women dealing with it.
Therefore, the first step is to get to know your enemy. Find out what it involves, what its symptoms are and how to approach the issue of diagnosis.
What is endometriosis and what does it involve?
Endometriosis is a condition whose cause has not been fully determined. Nevertheless, several factors can be considered that may be associated with its development and progression – for example, inflammatory, hormonal or immunological ones. In any case, experts consider it an inflammatory and estrogen-dependent disease, which already sets a certain direction for action. It can currently be described as multifactorial.
The fact is that endometriosis affects women of reproductive age. Essentially, it means that the endometrium, i.e. the uterine lining, is located outside its area. In turn, the immune system, in the case of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, does not react appropriately and does not eliminate the problematic tissue.
Endometriosis – causes and symptoms
As I mentioned, the causes have not been fully explored, and the disease itself is considered multifactorial. Indeed, there has also been discussion about whether it may actually be several diseases with different causes that coexist and interact. However, it has been confirmed that the genetic factor is extremely important in terms of the risk of occurrence and development.
It has been noted that, in predisposed individuals, it occurs much more often in families where someone has struggled with endometriosis. This is especially true for first-degree relatives, so for example: if your mother had the disease, your risk is higher. Of course, it is not all about genetics... It has been noticed that women who have had a so-called caesarean section may also be in the increased-risk group.
Experts confirm that, under normal circumstances, the immune system should effectively deal with endometrial cells located outside their physiological site. Unfortunately, this does not work properly with this disease. It has been observed that these cells are characterised by a high capacity to proliferate, as well as resistance to the actions of the immune system.
An important element is aromatase with increased activity, which results in elevated estradiol levels. Here we are talking about a genetic and hormonal factor.
In addition, endometriosis is characterised not only by strictly immunological disturbances, but also by an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Disturbances in this balance, which should occur under normal conditions, lead to the persistence of inflammation, and an inadequate response from immune cells creates optimal conditions for the maintenance and development of pathological changes. So we are dealing with an inflammatory factor. Interestingly, a bacterial component may also play a role here. In the menstrual blood of women affected by endometriosis, a much higher level of LPS endotoxin and E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria was observed, with a simultaneously reduced amount of bacteria performing protective functions.
To sum up, the factors considered important in the pathogenesis of endometriosis include:
- genetic,
- immunological,
- inflammatory,
- bacterial,
- hormonal.
As for symptoms and their severity, much depends on the person. Nevertheless, symptoms can provide grounds for a more conclusive diagnosis, although it is not easy to establish. Of course, this is handled by specialised experts – both diagnosis and treatment. The most common symptoms include:
- painful and prolonged menstruation,
- digestive symptoms (for example, constipation, diarrhoea, pain),
- chronic pelvic pain,
- possible pain during intercourse,
- pain during bowel movements.
Of course, these are only examples of the most common symptoms, and we do not necessarily have the disease just because one of them occurs. For example, painful periods may be the result of completely different problems - that is precisely why a diagnosis is made. Nevertheless, experts in this field emphasize that endometriosis should be considered in the event of any menstrual cycle problems.
Recommended tests for the condition:
- transvaginal ultrasound with a prior physical examination (it cannot rule out the various forms of the disease with 100% certainty, although it may provide a clue),
- laparoscopy (more precise, allowing for a more conclusive diagnosis, although more invasive).
Finally, I will add that diet, lifestyle changes and supplementation will be very helpful in this respect. Especially when it comes to inflammatory, bacterial and immunological factors. Therefore, the key is to support anti-inflammatory processes, support the immune system, the antioxidant mechanism and replenish any deficiencies.
