Recognizing endometriosis symptoms

In short: cells similar to the endometrial lining are found stuck to other organs. 

While ancient beliefs stuck with many doctors that endo is “merely a period thing” latest research shows how endometriosis affects the whole body, and could spread to every organ, including the ones really far away from the uterus.

Extra Pelvic Not Rare is an incredible organization raising awareness to the commonality of endometriosis spread outside the pelvis.

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It’s important to remember:
Even with peritoneal endometriosis (lesions within the pelvis only) this is a WHOLE BODY disease, affecting more than just the uterus.
Symptoms vary from patient to patient, but the majority of endometriosis patients experience severe symptoms a few days before the period, and during period and/or ovulation. Some experience pain throughout the month, even when on birth control.

The sister-disease to endometriosis is Adenomyosis. This is when the same endo cells are found INSIDE the uterine walls (versus on top of other organs)

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Endometriosis symptoms:

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
• Flu-like symptoms before and during periods
• Pain with bowel movements or urination. 
• Abdominal pain
• Lower back pain
• Pelvis pain
• IBS symptoms: Diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea
• Excessive bleeding
• Spotting between periods
• Pain with intercourse
• Infertility
• Leg pain (knees especially)
• Shoulder pain
• Painful ovulation
• Fatigue
• Brain fog

Adenomyosis symptoms:

• Pelvis pain
• Excessive bleeding, or very minimal bleeding
• Pain with intercourse
• “Heavy” feeling of the uterus
• Inability to complete a successful pregnancy (rare)
• IBS symptoms: Diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea

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Why is it happening?

The cause of endometriosis is still unknown. 

Unfortunately even in 2023 - not much is known about the causes and many doctors will opt to tell you that the cause is unknown. This is not to dismiss or push you away, but because the research was underfunded for endo until recently, most of the efforts were focused on finding medications or a cure. Not many were looking into causes.

There are many theories out there, but none is complete yet to make a final determination.

Bits of proof in new research:

• Genes found responsible for some endo
  Supporting data of it running in families, which is known to be true for years.
• Some proteins behave differently in endo patients - research is too early to define if this is a correlation or causation.

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Some leading theories (not fully backed by research):

• Retrograded menstruation

The main belief for years, contradicted by endometriosis found in fetuses and pre-menstruation patients as well as patients post-menopause.

Also, endometriosis cells are not identical to the endometrial lining, just similar.
New research shows this might be the reason for some forms of endometriosis, but not for others.