In the same way that the endometrium (which sheds every month with your period) is responsive to hormonal changes, so is this migrant endometrial tissue. The tissue may bleed, but without an outlet to leave the body it can lead to inflammation and eventually the formation of scar tissue (which may form adhesions).
The adhesions cause pain as they connect organs and other internal structures not normally attached. Some movements, such as going to the bathroom or having sex, can become especially painful.
Unsurprisingly, in the knowledge of the probability of significant pain and discomfort, women may also experience stress and anxiety in the lead up to their periods.
Remember, if you are experiencing symptoms such as intense period pain, painful sexual intercourse and pelvic pain that exacerbates during your period see your healthcare professional for assessment.
Natural therapies, as prescribed by a health professional such as naturopath or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner, may also play a supportive role for some women in their management of endometriosis.
For example, a recent review by Cochrane researchers found some evidence suggesting that post-surgery administration of Chinese herbs may have comparable results with fewer side effects than orthodox medications.
Acupuncture in the management of pain associated with endometriosis is also under the research spotlight.
In Western herbal medicine, a naturopath or herbalist may prescribe herbs that might assist in pain management, hormonal imbalance, have an anti-inflammatory action and/or aid menstrual flow. Prescriptions will vary depending on the individual but may include herbs such as ginger, dong quai, peony and calendula.
The exact causes of endometriosis are not known but possible causes include:
1. Genetic susceptibility
Genetic susceptibility may have a key role in the development of endometriosis, with some research suggesting that some individuals may carry faulty genes that allow for endometrial tissue to survive and grow outside of the endometrium.
2. Retrograde menstruation
Also known as ‘backward menstruation’, here some of the menstrual fluid flows back into the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity. In women with endometriosis it is thought that the endometrial tissue in the menstrual fluid adheres to other structures such as the ovaries and starts to grow.
However, as it is thought that retrograde menstruation occurs in most women and as not all women have endometriosis, other factors must be involved.
3. Immune system irregularities
Another theory is that endometriosis is the result of a malfunctioning of the immune system, where the immune systems of women with endometriosis fail to halt the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus.
Did you know?
Australian researchers have found that women who have a sister with endometriosis are 2.3 times more likely to have the condition than other women.
References available on request