What other symptoms can endometriosis cause?

Can endometriosis cause other health issues?

Sept. 26, 2002 -- Women with endometriosis are at increased risk for a host of other diseases including chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, lupus, underactive thyroid, and rheumatoid arthritis, according to new government findings.

What else can endometriosis cause?

Severe endometriosis pain can affect your quality of life. Some women struggle with anxiety or depression. Medical treatments and mental health care can help. Endometriosis may raise your risk of ovarian cancer or another cancer called endometriosis-associated adenocarcinoma.

What happens if endometriosis is left untreated?

Endometriosis is fairly common, affecting more than 11 percent of American women of reproductive age. However, it can be difficult to diagnose. If left untreated, severe endometriosis can result in infertility. Endometriosis can also increase your risk for certain cancers.

What are the 4 stages of endometriosis?

The ASRM classification system is divided into four stages or grades according to the number of lesions and depth of infiltration: minimal (Stage I), mild (Stage II), moderate (Stage III) and severe (Stage IV).

Endometriosis | Causes, Pathophysiology, Symptoms, Diagnosis

What is the main complication involved with endometriosis?

Complications of endometriosis may include or fall into the following 3 categories: Infertility/subfertility. Chronic pelvic pain and subsequent disability. Anatomic disruption of involved organ systems (eg, adhesions, ruptured cysts)

What causes endometriosis flare ups?

High levels of estrogen and stress hormone and low levels of progesterone worsen this inflammation. Common causes of endo attacks include stress, bad sleep, and pro-inflammatory foods such as caffeine, alcohol, and red meat.

Does endometriosis cause weight gain?

Endometriosis and weight gain: What is the link? Endometriosis causes tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow elsewhere in the body. It can cause chronic pain, heavy, irregular periods, and infertility. Some people also report weight gain and bloating.

Why does endometriosis make you tired?

The main cause of endometriosis-related fatigue is the body's effort to eliminate diseased tissue. While the immune system attempts to combat endometriosis, cytokines, also known as inflammatory toxins, are secreted by the tissue. What patients feel to be fatigue is the result of these internal chemicals.

What autoimmune diseases is associated with endometriosis?

The researchers found that women with endometriosis were at greater risk than were other women for such autoimmune diseases as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

What are the long term effects of endometriosis?

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.

Does endometriosis cause chronic fatigue syndrome?

Endometriosis fatigue can be a common and debilitating symptom for women with an endometriosis diagnosis. Yet many physicians underestimate its frequency, severity and ultimately the link between endometriosis and fatigue.

What body systems are affected by endometriosis?

Can endometriosis make you feel dizzy?

Severe endometriosis symptoms may cause nausea. If you suffer from heavy bleeding, you may feel lightheaded or dizzy at times during your periods. Severe menstrual cramps can get so intense that they also trigger feelings of nausea.

Does endometriosis affect mood?

Hormones affect your mood, and shifting estrogen levels could trigger mood swings and feelings of anger, irritability, and frustration. One study reports that having endometriosis makes women more likely to suffer depression and anxiety.

Does endometriosis make your stomach big?

There are several reasons why endometriosis may cause abdominal bloating: Buildup of endometrial-like tissue can cause inflammation in the abdomen. This can result in swelling, water retention, and bloating. The endometrial-like tissue can cover or grow into the ovaries.

Can endometriosis cause hip pain?

Many people with endometriosis have painful, heavy periods and pelvic pain. Sometimes, endometriosis growths affect the nerves around the pelvis, which can cause pain in the legs, hips, and buttocks.

When is surgery needed for endometriosis?

Your doctor may recommend a laparoscopy if: You regularly experience severe abdominal pain believed to be caused by endometriosis. Endometriosis or related symptoms have continued or reappeared following hormone therapy. Endometriosis is believed to be interfering with organs, such as the bladder or bowel.

How do I know if I'm having an endometriosis flare up?

While some people are asymptomatic, Dr. Brightman explains that symptoms often include painful periods and sex, pelvic distress, and bleeding and spotting between (often heavy) periods, among other things.

Can endometriosis affect bowels?

The symptoms of bowel endometriosis depend on where the lesion is located, its size, and how deep it is in your bowel wall. While some women with this condition won't feel any symptoms, you're likely to have: Trouble pooping or loose, watery stools (constipation or diarrhea) Pain during bowel movements.

How would you describe endometriosis pain?

It might start before your period and last several days. It can feel sharp and stabbing, and medication usually won't help. Some women say it feels like their insides are being pulled down. They have a gnawing or throbbing feeling that can be severe.

What are the monthly consequences of 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.

How do you know what stage of endometriosis you have?

What happens if endometriosis spreads to other organs?

But if you have endometriosis, endometrial tissue grows outside your uterus. Nearby reproductive organs are often affected. Endometrial tissue can grow on or around your ovaries and your fallopian tubes. Tissue growth can spread to other organs in your pelvis, even if they're not related to reproduction.

How long can you live with endometriosis?

Because surgery is required for an official diagnosis, research shows that women live with endometriosis for an average of seven years from first symptoms until diagnosis.