Endometriosis is a pain — quite literally. If your periods are heavy and painful AF, it’s possible endometriosis is to blame for your period probs.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that 1 in 10 women of reproductive age have endometriosis, so you’re def not alone.

Endometriosis fast facts:

What is it? Endometriosis — “endo” for short — is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of your uterus (endometrial tissue) grows outside its designated area.

Where does this tissue grow? You’ll generally find this rogue endometrial tissue on your ovaries, bowel area, or pelvic tissue. In rare cases, it can even grow in areas outside the pelvic region, like your urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, and chest.

What are the symptoms? The condition is known mostly for causing pain and fertility issues, but it can also lead to scarring, irritation, and adhesions (tissue growths that bind your pelvic organs together).

What causes it? The exact cause of endo is unknown. But some researchers theorize the cause is related to genetics, abdominal tissue transfer, hormonal problems, lymphatic system issues, immune system conditions, or surgery complications.

How do you treat it? There’s no cure, but treatment options include OTC pain medications, hormone therapy, conservative surgery, and hysterectomy (depending on the severity).

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Yikes! All this sounds super scary up front, but don’t fret. Treatment and support are available to help you manage endo symptoms.

Here’s the lowdown on everything endo.

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Illustration by Wenzdai Figueroa

While pelvic pain is the most common endo symptom, you may also experience:

Heads-up: The severity of these symptoms can vary!

Some folks may experience mild symptoms or none at all, while others have moderate to severe symptoms.

The intensity of your endometriosis symptoms has no bearing on the stage or degree of your condition. You could have a severe form of endo and barely notice your symptoms, or you could have a mild form and deal with awful pain or discomfort.

No matter the severity, you should see your gyno on the regular to monitor endo for any changes or complications.

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No one knows exactly what causes endometriosis 🤷‍♀️. But researchers have several theories as to why the condition *might* be wreaking havoc on your bod.

Retrograde menstruation

This is when menstrual blood doesn’t exit via your vagina but instead flows back through your fallopian tubes into your pelvic cavity. Research suggests that about 90 percent of people with periods will experience retrograde menstruation, but most don’t get endo.

Abdominal tissue transformation

Experts don’t fully understand why this happens, but sometimes small areas inside the abdomen turn into endometrial tissue. One theory is that this happens because abdominal cells are grown from embryonic cells, which can change shape and mimic endometrial cells.

Hormone probs

Hormones may be able to transform cells outside your uterus into endometrial cells. But there isn’t solid research to back up this theory.

Lymphatic system issues

Endometrial cells can be carried out of your uterus via your lymphatic system, which is how these cells end up way beyond your uterus.

Genetics

Several studies have suggested endometriosis might be hereditary since it pops up in families. If your mom, sister, or aunt has endo, it could be in your gene pool. (No thanks, Mom.)

The Mullerian theory

Maybe you’re born with it? This theory proposes that endo might start up while you’re in the womb. The idea is that cell tissue can get misplaced in response to puberty hormones while you’re just hanging out in utero.

Surgery complications

While this is super rare, it’s possible to get endometriosis after a cesarean delivery or a hysterectomy. These types of surgeries might allow endometrial cells to attach to scar tissue and spread to other parts of your body.

Immune system conditions

Hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis have been linked to endometriosis. This connection hasn’t been totally explained, but researchers think the inflammation caused by endo might trigger an immune system response.

Is it endo or something else?

Endometriosis can be tricky to diagnose, because it shares symptoms with other medical conditions, including:

This may result in a misdiagnosis before you get an accurate endometriosis diagnosis.

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Some common risk factors may increase your chances of developing the condition:

  • Family history of endo. Since endometriosis may have a hereditary link, you’re at a higher risk if a family member also has or had the condition.
  • No previous childbirth. It’s more common to develop endo if you’ve never had a baby. Pregnancy may also temporarily decrease symptoms.
  • Abnormal menstrual cycles. If you’ve got menstrual probs like periods that are heavier, longer, or shorter than average, you may be at a higher risk of developing endo. Starting your period before age 11 can also increase your risk.

Health conditions that have been linked to endo

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There are four stages — or types — of endometriosis. These are based on different factors like the size, amount, depth, and location of endometrial tissue.

Stage 1: Minimal

Minimal endo involves small lesions or wounds on your ovary, as well as shallow endometrial implants. In this stage, you may also experience inflammation in your pelvic area.

Stage 2: Mild

In mild endo, shallow endometrial implants and light lesions affect both your ovary and pelvic lining.

Stage 3: Moderate

Deep implants on your ovaries and pelvic lining develop in moderate endo, and more lesions may appear.

Stage 4: Severe

As the name implies, this is the most severe form of endo. In this stage, deep endometrial implants develop on your ovaries and pelvic lining. Lesions may also form on your bowels or fallopian tubes.

It’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis so you can get a treatment plan in place.

During your appointment, be prepared to share your detailed personal and family health history. Your doc may also do a general health assessment to check for any signs of endo.

To figure out whether you have endometriosis, your doc will likely do one or more of these tests:

  • Pelvic exam. Your doc will do a manual exam inside your vaginal canal to feel for lurking endo indicators like cysts or scar tissue.
  • Ultrasound. Using either a transvaginal or an abdominal ultrasound, your doc will get images of your reproductive organs to see if there are any physical signs of endo.
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This gives your doc detailed images of your insides, but it isn’t always necessary. You’re more likely to get an MRI to prep for surgery to remove endo tissue.
  • Laparoscopy. During this minor surgery, your doc will make a small incision to look for endo signs directly inside your abdomen. This procedure can also be used for removing endometrial tissue.

Endo has no cure, but it’s possible to treat and manage your symptoms. Your doctor will work with you to determine what’s best for your individual needs.

OTC pain meds

While they’re not effective in every case, over-the-counter meds like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are a simple option for managing endo pain.

Just make sure you’re not overdoing the recommended dose. This can really mess with your stomach.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy can help manage pain and regulate hormonal changes that promote tissue growth. This treatment may also help stop the progression of endometriosis.

Hormone therapy options for endo include:

Danazol

Danazol is a hormone medication used to stop menstruation and ease endo symptoms.

Danazol doesn’t stop endometriosis from progressing, and it comes with some side effects, such as acne and hirsutism (abnormal hair growth). It can also cause fetal development issues, so you can’t take it if you’re pregnant or could become pregnant.

Conservative surgery

Conservative surgery is used to remove or destroy endometrial growths without damaging or removing your reproductive organs. The most common of these surgeries is a laparoscopy.

During a laparoscopy, a surgeon makes small incisions in your abdomen to remove growths. They may also burn or vaporize the growths using a laser.

Conservative surgery is recommended if you’re trying to get pregnant with endometriosis or if your symptoms aren’t responding to hormonal treatments.

Hysterectomy

Usually recommended only as a “last resort” treatment, a hysterectomy involves removing some or all of your reproductive organs. This includes your uterus and cervix, as well as your ovaries or any visible implant lesions.

A hysterectomy is irreversible, and you won’t be able to get pregnant after this surgery. If you really want to have kiddos one day, consider getting a second opinion before moving forward.

Along with potentially painful symptoms, endo is also rife with possible complications.

Endometriosis complications can include:

Talk with your doctor if anything seems “off” with your endo or if you start experiencing severe pain, unexpected bleeding, or symptoms you haven’t had before.

Endo support is out there ❤️

Endometriosis doesn’t just take a physical toll. Fertility issues, frustration, fear, and chronic pain can also affect your mental health.

But remember, you’re not in this alone. Talking with a licensed therapist or joining support groups can help.

Check out these resources for help finding an endometriosis community:

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If you have chronic period pain, don’t be afraid to talk about it with a doctor.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside your uterus. It can cause pain, discomfort, and a variety of complications, including infertility.

Anyone with a uterus can develop endo, but certain factors, such as genetics and period problems, can put you at higher risk.

Once you get a diagnosis, it’s important to monitor your symptoms. We don’t know exactly what causes endometriosis, and there isn’t a cure, but it’s possible to manage the condition.

Your doctor may recommend medications, hormone therapy, or even surgery. Treatment is based on your unique needs. Resources are available to help you manage your endo pain and any complications.