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”.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: Causes 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 Facts About Endometriosis, 2009 and 2010 statistics quoted by the World Endometriosis Society; and World Endometriosis Research Foundation in September 2015 include:

“Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years (ie. usually between the ages of 15 to 49), which is approximately 176 million women in the world”.5

In Endometriosis, 2011 statistics quoted by the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov note:

“It may affect more than 11% of American women between 15 and 44”.6

In Endometriosis: What Is Endometriosis? last updated 27 February 2024, the JH note:

“This condition affects about one in seven women of reproductive age”.7

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”.8

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”.9

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”.10

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”.11

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)”.12

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”.13

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)”.14

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”.15

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. 5 Myths About Endometriosis
  2. About Endometriosis
  3. About Endometriosis
  4. BMS TV: Endometriosis
  5. Basic Female Anatomy & Endometriosis [Video]
  6. Belowthebelt.film
  7. EndometriosisClassification of Endometriosis
  8. Could I Have Endometriosis? Endometriosis Symptom Checklist
  9. Dysmenorrhea: Painful Periods
  10. ESHRE Guideline Endometriosis [European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology]
  11. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  12. Emotions
  13. Endo Explained: Ask the Experts
  14. EndoFound’s LGBTQIA Resource Hub for Endo Patients
  15. Endoactive.org.au [EndoActive, Australia and New Zealand]
    Endometriosis
  16. Endofound.org [Endometriosis Foundation of America]
  17. Endomarch.org [Worldwide EndoMarch]
  18. Endometrial Ablation
  19. Endometriosis
  20. Endometriosis
  21. Endometriosis
  22. Endometriosis Endometriosis
  23. Endometriosis
  24. Endometriosis
  25. Endometriosis
  26. Endometriosis A – Z
  27. Endometriosis After Menopause: What To Know
  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 Toolkit Video Series: Understanding Endometriosis
  35. Endometriosis Toolkit: A Patient Empowerment Guide – Endometriosis and Menopause
  36. Endometriosis Treatment and Support
  37. Endometriosis [+ Videos]
  38. Endometriosis and Couples [+ Video]
  39. Endometriosis and Natural Therapies
  40. Endometriosis and the Menopause
  41. EndometriosisEndometriosis 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 & Management [NICE Guideline [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. FAQS
  59. FAQs
  60. FAQs: Endometriosis
  61. FAQs: Laparoscopy
  62. Fatigue Is Common Among Women Who Have Endometriosis
  63. Finding An Endometriosis Specialist
  64. Flawed Endometriosis Research Leads To Decades of Under-Reporting of Endometriosis-Associated Cancer Risk
  65. Glossary
  66. Got Endometriosis? Experts Answer Your Top Questions
  67. How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed? Scans, Laparoscopy and Support | NHS
  68. Induced Menopause In Women With Endometriosis
  69. ‘It’s really only the beginning’: Are We on the Cusp of A Breakthrough In Endometriosis?
  70. Let’s Talk About…Smear Tests When You Have Endometriosis
  71. Living With Endometriosis
  72. Mayo Clinic Minute: Tips From A Gynecological Surgeon on Recovery From Surgery [+ Video]
  73. Mayo Clinic Minute: When Surgery for Endometriosis Is the Answer
  74. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Endometrial Ablation When Pelvic Pain or Endometriosis Are Present
  75. Menopause and Endometriosis
  76. Myth or Fact? 8 Common Endometriosis Questions Answered | Ask Cleveland Clinic’s Expert
  77. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  78. National Endometriosis Organisations
  79. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  80. Pelvic Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  81. Periodnow.org [A Program of Endometriosis Foundation of America]
  82. Persistent Pelvic Pain
  83. Postmenopausal Endometriosis: A Challenging Condition Beyond Menopause
  84. Precision In Practice for Endometriosis Care
  85. Q&A: Delays In Endometriosis Diagnosis, Treatment ‘Multifactorial’ [+ Videos]
  86. Rethinking How We Treat Endometriosis | Linda Griffith | TEDxMIT
  87. Seeking A Doctor: Finding the Right Endometriosis Specialist
  88. Surgical Menopause and Menopause In Women With Endometriosis | Dr Newson Instagram Live
  89. The Best and Worst Foods for An Anti-Inflammatory Endometriosis Diet
  90. The Different Types of Period Pain… And What The Pain Might Mean
  91. The Endometriosis Resource Portal for People of Color
    Endometriosis
  92. Treatments
  93. Video: Endometriosis Commonly Improves During Menopause
  94. Video: Strategies for Managing Menopause Symptoms for Women With Endometriosis
  95. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How Should We Manage Menopause In Women With Endometriosis?
  96. Webinars: Previous – Reproductive Conditions and Consequences for Menopausal Health and Management
  97. What Is Endometriosis? Symptoms and Treatment | NHS [Video]
  98. What Is Perimenopause & How Has It Been Linked To Endometriosis?
  99. What You Need To Know About Adenomyosis
  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: 26 September 2024
  2. 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: 26 September 2024
  3. Endometriosis. Page Last Updated: 06 May 2021. World Endometriosis Society https://endometriosis.ca/endometriosis/ Accessed: 26 September 2024
  4. Endometriosis: Causes. Last Updated: 19 September 2024. NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/girls-and-young-women-puberty-to-around-25/periods-and-menstrual-health/endometriosis/ Accessed: 26 September 2024
  5. Facts About Endometriosis. September 2015. World Endometriosis Society; and World Endometriosis Research Foundation https://endometriosisfoundation.org/Facts-about-endometriosis.pdf Accessed: 26 September 2024
  6. Endometriosis. 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: 26 September 2024
  7. 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: 26 September 2024
  8. Endometriosis Treatment and Support: How Can Endometriosis Be Diagnosed? Endometriosis Foundation https://www.endofound.org/endometriosis-treatment-support Accessed: 26 September 2024
  9. Endometriosis: Diagnosis – When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 25 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 31 January 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/diagnosis Accessed: 26 September 2024
  10. 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: 26 September 2024
  11. About Endometriosis: Symptoms of Endometriosis. Endometriosis.org https://endometriosis.org/endometriosis/ Accessed: 26 September 2024
  12. 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: 26 September 2024
  13. 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: 26 September 2024
  14. Endometriosis: Symptoms and Causes – Symptoms During the Menopause Transition. Last Updated: 28 August 2024 | Last Reviewed: 31 January 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/symptoms-causes Accessed: 26 September 2024
  15. Endometriosis: Diagnosis – When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 25 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 31 January 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/diagnosis Accessed: 26 September 2024
Topic Last Updated: 30 September 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 26 September 2024

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