Endometriosis

“Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to
the lining inside the uterus (called “the endometrium”),
is found outside the uterus, where it induces…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Endometriosis Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Endo
  • Endometriosis

Definition

What is endometriosis?

DotS the definition of endometriosis may vary. In Endometriosis: What Is Endometriosis? the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) definition is:

“Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those that line the uterus grow in other areas of your body, especially around your ovaries and uterus. This condition affects about one in seven women of reproductive age”.2

In Endometriosis the World Endometriosis Society’s definition is:

“Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (called “the endometrium”), is found outside the uterus, where it induces a chronic inflammatory reaction that may result in scar tissue. It is primarily found on the pelvic peritoneum, on the ovaries, in the recto-vaginal septum, on the bladder, and bowel”.3

Cause

What causes endometriosis?

In Endometriosis: What Causes Endometriosis? the (Scottish) NHS Inform explain:

“The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown. It’s sometimes believed to be genetic. That means if someone in your family has the condition, it’s more likely you may have it too”.4

Common or Not

How common is endometriosis?

In Endometriosis Awareness Month: Take the Pledge, Endometriosis Australia note:

“Endometriosis affects 1 in 7 women and those presumed female at birth by age 49…”.5

Endometriosis

In Endometriosis: What Is Endometriosis? last updated 05 December 2024, the JH also note:

“This condition affects about one in seven women of reproductive age”.6

Diagnosis

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

In Endometriosis Treatment and Support: How Can Endometriosis Be Diagnosed? the (United States) Endometriosis Foundation elaborate on:

“There are a number of diagnostic tools that physicians use that may raise suspicion of endometriosis, but the only definitive method of diagnosis is through minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and biopsy of affected tissue. If you suspect you have endometriosis, ask your physician about these different diagnostic tools (see below). Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion if you feel that you need more information about endometriosis diagnosis”.7

Look for A Pattern

If I think I have endometriosis how may I look for a pattern?

In Endometriosis: Diagnosis – When To See Your Doctor the JH elaborate on:

“It’s a good idea to keep a diary of your symptoms. This will help your doctor or gynaecologist find out what is wrong. Your doctor may ask questions about:

  • Your periods: for example, if your periods are regular and if you have heavy bleeding
  • Period pain: for example, where you have pain, how long the pain lasts…
  • Other pain: for example, if you have pain during or after sex…
  • Other symptoms: for example, if you have constipation, diarrhoea or bloating…
  • Family history: for example, if any family members have had endometriosis
  • Pregnancy: for example, if you have ever tried to get pregnant”.8

Management

What may endometriosis management include?

On page one in Induced Menopause In Women With Endometriosis – For Women the (British) Women’s Health Concern elaborate on:

“Women with endometriosis may be treated with lifestyle changes, medications or surgery to help control the symptoms and severity of the disease”.9

In About Endometriosis: Symptoms of Endometriosis the Endometriosis.org elaborate on:

“For many women, management of this disease may be a long-term process. Therefore, it is important to educate yourself, take the time to find a good doctor, and consider joining a local support group”.10

Induced Menopause

Can some endometriosis treatments result in induced menopause?

On page one in Induced Menopause In Women With Endometriosis – For Women the Women’s Health Concern also note:

“Some of the medical treatments offered can cause women to feel like they are going through the menopause. Some women choose to have surgery involving removing both ovaries. In both of these situations, women can experience a sudden onset of menopause symptoms which can range in severity. There is evidence to suggest that providing women with information of what to expect can help their mental and physical wellbeing (NICE Quality Standards)”.11

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and endometriosis?

In Endometriosis: Does Endometriosis Go Away After Menopause? Womenshealth.gov explain:

“For some women, the painful symptoms of endometriosis improve after menopause. As the body stops making the hormone estrogen, the growths shrink slowly. However, some women who take menopausal hormone therapy may still have symptoms of endometriosis.

If you are having symptoms of endometriosis after menopause, talk to your doctor about treatment options”.12

In Endometriosis: Symptoms and Causes – Symptoms During the Menopause Transition the JH explain:

“Most women with endometriosis have the same experience at menopause as other women. Menopause symptoms can range from no symptoms to severe symptoms.

But some women with endometriosis may experience increased pelvic pain in the lead-up to menopause. Your doctor can help you manage these symptoms if they develop – or return – at this stage of life. While uncommon, endometriosis can return with the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)”.13

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have endometriosis?

If you think you have endometriosis, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Endometriosis: Diagnosis – When To See Your Doctor the JH elaborate on:

“It’s not OK or normal to have severe period pain. If you think you have endometriosis, see your doctor as soon as possible, as early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the severity of the condition”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Endometriosis?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Endometriosis?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. About Endometriosis
  2. Adenomyosis
  3. BMS TV: Endometriosis
  4. Basic Female Anatomy & Endometriosis [Video]
  5. Belowthebelt.film
  6. EndometriosisClassification of Endometriosis
  7. Could I Have Endometriosis? Endometriosis Symptom Checklist
  8. Dysmenorrhea: Painful Periods
  9. ESHRE Guideline Endometriosis [European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology]
  10. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  11. Endo Explained: Ask the Experts
  12. EndoFound’s LGBTQIA Resource Hub for Endo Patients
  13. Endoactive.org.au [EndoActive, Australia and New Zealand]
    Endometriosis
  14. Endofound.org [Endometriosis Foundation of America]
  15. Endomarch.org [Endometriosis Worldwide March]
  16. Endometrial Ablation
  17. Endometriosis
  18. Endometriosis
  19. Endometriosis
  20. Endometriosis Endometriosis
  21. Endometriosis
  22. Endometriosis
  23. Endometriosis
  24. Endometriosis A – Z
  25. Endometriosis After Menopause: What To Know
  26. Endometriosis Action Month 2025 [March, United Kingdom]
  27. Endometriosis Awareness Month 2025 [March, Australia]
  28. Endometriosis Awareness: Empowering Patients [Video]
  29. Endometriosis Before and After Menopause
  30. Endometriosis FAQs [+ Video: What Happens If My Endometriosis Is Left Untreated? Ask Mayo Clinic [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  31. Endometriosis Glossary
  32. Endometriosis Symptoms
  33. Endometriosis Toolkit Video Series
  34. Endometriosis Treatment and Support
  35. Endometriosis [+ Videos]
  36. Endometriosis and Couples [+ Video]
  37. Endometriosis and Endometrial Cancer
  38. Endometriosis and Natural Therapies
  39. Endometriosis and Practical Pain Management [Video]
  40. Endometriosis and the Menopause
  41. Endometriosis and the Menopause: Why the Question Merits Our Full Attention
  42. Endometriosis-uk.org [Endometriosis UK] [United Kingdom]
  43. Endometriosis-uk.org [Endometriosis UK] [United Kingdom]: Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme
  44. Endometriosis.ca [World Endometriosis Society]
  45. Endometriosis.org
  46. Endometriosis: Complications & Risk
  47. Endometriosis: Diagnosing the Debilitating Condition [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  48. Endometriosis: Diagnosis and Management NICE Guideline [NG73] Published: 06 September 201. Last Updated: 11 November 2024 [National Institute for Health and Care Excellence]
  49. Endometriosis: Diagnosis – Information Your Doctor Will Need
  50. Endometriosis: Symptoms and Causes – Symptoms: Symptoms During the Menopause Transition
  51. Endometriosis: What Is Endometriosis?
  52. Endometriosisassn.org [Endometriosis Association]
  53. Endometriosisaustralia.org [Endometriosis Australia]
  54. Endometriosisaustralia.org [Endometriosis Australia]: Webinars
  55. Endometriosisfoundation.org [World Endometriosis Research Foundation]
  56. Endotv.com [EndoTV Health Network, The Endometriosis Foundation of America, United States]: Non-Surgical Endometriosis Diagnosis: Feinstein Institute’s Breakthrough on the Horizon [11 April 2024]
  57. Endowhat.com [Endo What?]
  58. Everything You Need To Know About Endometriosis | Dr Louise Newson
  59. FAQS
  60. FAQs
  61. FAQs: Endometriosis
  62. FAQs: Laparoscopy
  63. Fatigue Is Common Among Women Who Have Endometriosis
  64. Finding An Endometriosis Specialist
  65. First Daily Pill for Endometriosis Approved for NHS Use
  66. Glossary
  67. Got Endometriosis? Experts Answer Your Top Questions
  68. How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed? Scans, Laparoscopy and Support | NHS
  69. Induced Menopause In Women With Endometriosis
  70. Is Adenomyosis A Progressive Condition?
  71. Is There A Link Between PMDD & Endometriosis!
  72. Living With Endometriosis
  73. Mayo Clinic Minute: Tips From A Gynecological Surgeon on Recovery From Surgery [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  74. Mayo Clinic Minute: When Surgery for Endometriosis Is the Answer [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  75. Menopause and Endometriosis
  76. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  77. National Endometriosis Organisations
  78. Our Updated Guideline To Improve the Diagnosis of Endometriosis [11 November 2024] [National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, United Kingdom]
  79. Periodnow.org [A Program of Endometriosis Foundation of America]
  80. Postmenopausal Endometriosis: A Challenging Condition Beyond Menopause
  81. Precision In Practice for Endometriosis Care
  82. Q&A: Delays In Endometriosis Diagnosis, Treatment ‘Multifactorial’ [+ Videos]
  83. Relugolix–Estradiol–Norethisterone for Treating Symptoms of Endometriosis [National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE Guideline, United Kingdom]]
  84. Rethinking How We Treat Endometriosis | Linda Griffith | TEDxMIT
  85. Seeking A Doctor: Finding the Right Endometriosis Specialist
  86. The Best and Worst Foods for An Anti-Inflammatory Endometriosis Diet
  87. The Different Types of Period Pain… And What The Pain Might Mean
  88. The Endometriosis Resource Portal for People of Color
    Endometriosis
  89. The Overlapping Impact of Pelvic Pain & GI Disorders In Endometriosis
  90. Understanding Endometriosis: From Symptoms To Treatment
  91. Update on Endometriosis [15 November 2024]
  92. Video: Endometriosis Commonly Improves During Menopause
  93. Video: Strategies for Managing Menopause Symptoms for Women With Endometriosis
  94. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How Should We Manage Menopause In Women With Endometriosis?
  95. Was Your Endometriosis Biopsy Histologically Tested for PGP9.5 & Ki67?
  96. Webinars: Previous – Reproductive Conditions and Consequences for Menopausal Health and Management
  97. What Is Endometriosis (Endo) Belly?
  98. What Is Endometriosis? Symptoms and Treatment | NHS [Video]
  99. What Is Perimenopause & How Has It Been Linked To Endometriosis?
  100. World Endometriosis Organisations (WEO)

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Endometriosis. Page Last Updated: 06 May 2021. World Endometriosis Society https://endometriosis.ca/endometriosis/ Accessed: 01 March 2025
  2. Endometriosis: What Is Endometriosis? Last Updated: 05 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 February 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/what-is-endometriosis Accessed: 01 March 2025
  3. Endometriosis. Page Last Updated: 06 May 2021. World Endometriosis Society https://endometriosis.ca/endometriosis/ Accessed: 01 March 2025
  4. Endometriosis: What Causes Endometriosis? Last Updated: 13 January 2025. NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/endometriosis/ Accessed: 01 March 2025
  5. Endometriosis Awareness Month: Take the Pledge. Endometriosis Australia https://endometriosisaustralia.org/endometriosis-awareness-month-march-2025-events/ Accessed: 01 March 2025
  6. Endometriosis: What Is Endometriosis? Last Updated: 27 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 February 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/what-is-endometriosis Accessed: 01 March 2025
  7. Endometriosis Treatment and Support: How Can Endometriosis Be Diagnosed? Endometriosis Foundation https://www.endofound.org/endometriosis-treatment-support Accessed: 01 March 2025
  8. Endometriosis: Diagnosis – When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 05 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 31 January 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/diagnosis Accessed: 01 March 2025
  9. Induced Menopause In Women With Endometriosis – For Patients. Publication Date: August 2022. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/14-WHC-FACTSHEET-Induced-menopause-info-for-women-NOV2022-A.pdf Accessed: 01 March 2025
  10. About Endometriosis: Symptoms of Endometriosis. Endometriosis.org https://endometriosis.org/endometriosis/ Accessed: 01 March 2025
  11. Induced Menopause In Women With Endometriosis – For Patients. Publication Date: August 2022. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/14-WHC-FACTSHEET-Induced-menopause-info-for-women-NOV2022-A.pdf Accessed: 01 March 2025
  12. Endometriosis: Does Endometriosis Go Away After Menopause? Page Last Updated: 22 February 2021. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis Accessed: 01 March 2025
  13. Endometriosis: Symptoms and Causes – Symptoms During the Menopause Transition. Last Updated: 01 October 2024 | Last Reviewed: 31 January 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/symptoms-causes Accessed: 01 March 2025
  14. Endometriosis: Diagnosis – When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 03 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 31 January 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/diagnosis Accessed: 01 March 2025
Topic Last Updated: 16 April 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 March 2025

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