Why does endometrial tissue increase

Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose. One reason for this is that other medical conditions have similar symptoms. These include:. Monitoring symptoms and seeking help may help prevent long-term complications. People should let their doctor know if they experience severe pain or unexpected bleeding. There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but various treatment options may help manage symptoms. They include:. Medications can help manage pain. They include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen Advil, Motrin IB, others and drugs to relieve painful menstruation.

A doctor may recommend birth control pills or other hormonal methods of birth control, such as the Mirena device. In some cases, they may recommend gonadotrophin-releasing hormone.

These may reduce estrogen levels and help limit the development of unwanted tissue. However, they cannot repair adhesions or improve fertility.

If other treatments do not work, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove unwanted tissue. In some cases, a hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries may be necessary. What is the latest research on endometriosis treatment? Some complementary and alternative treatments and lifestyle choices may help manage endometriosis symptoms.

They include :. Some people may find these methods help, but there is little scientific evidence to show that they are effective.

They will not cure endometriosis or reverse any damage that has occurred. Click here for some tips on living with endometriosis. It can be difficult for a medical professional to diagnose endometriosis because no specific test can confirm it, and the symptoms may be hard to see. The symptoms can also resemble the symptoms of other conditions. Possible diagnostic strategies include :. Ultrasound : A diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs.

CT scan : A noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images — often called slices — of the body to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary X-ray. MRI scan : A noninvasive procedure that produces a two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure. A staging, or classification, system for endometriosis has been developed by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

The stages are classified as follows:. The stage of endometriosis is based on the location, amount, depth and size of the endometrial tissue.

Specific criteria include:. The stage of the endometriosis does not necessarily reflect the level of pain experienced, risk of infertility or symptoms present. For example, it is possible for a woman in stage 1 to be in tremendous pain, while a woman in stage 4 may be asymptomatic. If symptoms are mild, health care providers generally agree that no further treatment, other than pain medication, is necessary.

Pain medication: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or other over-the-counter analgesics.

Oral contraceptives, with combined estrogen and progestin a synthetic form of progesterone hormones, to prevent ovulation and reduce menstrual flow. Laparoscopy also used to help diagnose endometriosis : A minor surgical procedure in which a laparoscope, a thin tube with a lens and a light, is inserted into an incision in the abdominal wall; using the laparoscope to see into the pelvic area, the doctor can often remove the endometrial growths. Laparotomy : A more extensive surgery to remove as much of the displaced endometrium as possible without damaging healthy tissue.

Hysterectomy : Surgery to remove the uterus and possibly the ovaries. Our experts offer women experiencing fibroids a wide range of treatment options, including alternatives to hysterectomy. Sometimes, a combination of therapies is used, such as conservative surgery laparoscopy or laparotomy , along with hormone therapy.

Some women also benefit from alternative treatments used in conjunction with other medical and surgical therapies for the treatment of endometriosis. These include:. Who gets endometriosis? You might be more likely to get endometriosis if you have: Never had children Menstrual periods that last more than seven days Short menstrual cycles 27 days or fewer A family member mother, aunt, sister with endometriosis A health problem that blocks the normal flow of menstrual blood from your body during your period.

What causes endometriosis? No one knows for sure what causes this disease. Researchers are studying possible causes: Problems with menstrual period flow.

Retrograde menstrual flow is the most likely cause of endometriosis. Some of the tissue shed during the period flows through the fallopian tube into other areas of the body, such as the pelvis. Genetic factors. Because endometriosis runs in families, it may be inherited in the genes. Immune system problems.

A faulty immune system may fail to find and destroy endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus. Immune system disorders and certain cancers are more common in women with endometriosis. The hormone estrogen appears to promote endometriosis. Research is looking at whether endometriosis is a problem with the body's hormone system. During a surgery to the abdominal area, such as a Cesarean C-section or hysterectomy, endometrial tissue could be picked up and moved by mistake.

For instance, endometrial tissue has been found in abdominal scars. How can I prevent endometriosis? To keep lower estrogen levels in your body, you can: Talk to your doctor about hormonal birth control methods, such as pills, patches or rings with lower doses of estrogen. Exercise regularly more than 4 hours a week. Regular exercise and a lower amount of body fat help decrease the amount of estrogen circulating through the body.

Avoid large amounts of alcohol. Alcohol raises estrogen levels. Avoid large amount of drinks with caffeine. Studies show that drinking more than one caffeinated drink a day, especially sodas and green tea, can raise estrogen levels.

How is endometriosis diagnosed? The doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and do or prescribe one or more of the following to find out if you have endometriosis: Pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, your doctor will feel for large cysts or scars behind your uterus.

Smaller areas of endometriosis are harder to feel. Imaging test. Your doctor may do an ultrasound to check for ovarian cysts from endometriosis. The doctor or technician may insert a wand-shaped scanner into your vagina or move a scanner across your abdomen. Both kinds of ultrasound tests use sound waves to make pictures of your reproductive organs.

Magnetic resonance imaging MRI is another common imaging test that can make a picture of the inside of your body. If your doctor does not find signs of an ovarian cyst during an ultrasound, he or she may prescribe medicine: Hormonal birth control can help lessen pelvic pain during your period.

Gonadotropin go-na-doh-TRO-pen -releasing hormone GnRH agonists block the menstrual cycle and lower the amount of estrogen your body makes. GnRH agonists also may help pelvic pain. If your pain gets better with hormonal medicine, you probably have endometriosis. But, these medicines work only as long as you take them. Once you stop taking them, your pain may come back. Laparoscopy lap-ar-OS-ko-pee. Laparoscopy is a type of surgery that doctors can use to look inside your pelvic area to see endometriosis tissue.

Surgery is the only way to be sure you have endometriosis. Sometimes doctors can diagnose endometriosis just by seeing the growths. Schenken RS. Endometriosis: Pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis. Frequently asked questions. Gynecological problems FAQ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Rochester, Minn.

Smith RP. In: Netter's Obstetrics and Gynecology. Philadelphia, Pa. What is assisted reproductive technology? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Endometriosis: Treatment of pelvic pain. Lebovic DI. Endometriosis: Surgical management of pelvic pain. Strauss JF, et al. In: Yen and Jaffe's Reproductive Endocrinology. Lobo RA, et al. Endometriosis etiology, pathology, diagnosis, management.

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