Are You Living with the Silent

Struggle of Endometriosis?

endometriosis on a green circular frame on a white background

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the inside of your uterus grows outside it, often on the ovaries, bowel, and pelvis. Though rare, it can spread beyond the pelvis. This tissue responds to menstrual cycle hormones, leading to inflammation, pain, and tissue buildup. Over time, this trapped tissue can cause irritation, scarring, organ binding (adhesions), intense menstrual pain, and fertility issues.

What causes it?

The exact cause of endometriosis is unclear, but it might be due to menstrual blood flowing the wrong way, hormones changing certain cells into endometrial-like cells, or abdominal cells turning into tissue similar to the uterine lining. Other possibilities include spread through surgical scars, the body's lymphatic system, or the immune system not clearing away misplaced cells.

Some also think genetics or environmental toxins could be factors, or it may start from misplaced cells during fetal development that become active with puberty.

Signs and Symptoms

Endometriosis symptoms differ from person to person. Some might have mild symptoms, while others have more severe ones. Interestingly, the intensity of pain doesn't always reflect the condition's severity; you could have a mild case with severe pain or a severe case with little pain.

Painful Periods

Heavy Bleeding

Infertility

Lower Back Pain

Some people might not notice any symptoms at all. The most typical symptom is pelvic pain, but there can be other signs too.

Stages of Endometriosis

Stage I (Minimal)

Involves small lesions or wounds and possibly shallow endometrial implants on the ovary. There might be inflammation in or around the pelvic cavity, but there are minimal or no scar tissues (adhesions).

Stage II (Mild)

Stage II (Mild) features more and deeper implants than Stage I and can also include light scarring. Endometriosis at this stage is still considered mild but involves more tissue than Stage I, with the implants potentially extending into the ovaries or the fallopian tubes.

Stage III (Moderate)

This stage is characterized by many deep implants, small cysts on one or both ovaries, and more significant adhesions. The cysts, known as endometriomas or "chocolate cysts," are filled with dark, reddish-brown blood.

Stage IV (Severe)

The most advanced stage, it includes large cysts on one or both ovaries and extensive adhesions. There may be significant scarring, and the endometrial implants can also affect other organs within the pelvis, such as the bladder and bowel.

Risk Factors of

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that often starts years after menstrual periods begin and can cause significant pain. Several factors can increase a woman's risk of developing endometriosis, including:

Age: Risk tends to increase with age
Family History: Having a close relative with endometriosis significantly raises your risk.
Pregnancy History: Pregnancy can sometimes offer temporary protection, while never having been pregnant may increase risk.
Menstrual History: Factors like early onset of menstruation, short cycles, and heavy, prolonged periods are associated with higher risk.

Dr. Linda Khoshaba is the Leading Integrative Health and Hormone Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona. She has extensive experience working in the field as a Hormone Specialist and Natural Endocrinologist.

7500 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Suite A 109
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

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