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: Symptoms & Causes 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 10% of 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: Causes the (Scottish) NHS Inform explain:

“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”.4

Common or Not

How common is endometriosis?

According to the World Endometriosis Society; and the World Endometriosis Research Foundation:

“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 Facts and Figures, 2009 statistics quoted by Endometriosis UK (United Kingdom) note:

  • “1 in 10 women and those assigned female of birth of reproductive age in the UK suffer from endometriosis”.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:

Endometriosis After Menopause“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 & 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 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 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. “Be In the Know – Centering Endo” Endometriosis Equity Leadership Virtual Conversation
  5. Below the Belt
  6. Classification of Endometriosis
  7. Consumer Health: Endometriosis, Ovarian Cancer and Infertility — What Are the Connections?
  8. Different Types of Period Pain and What They Might Mean
  9. Dr Gail Busby – I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – Episode 9 The Menopause
  10. Dysmenorrhea: Painful Periods
  11. ESHRE Guideline Endometriosis [European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology]
  12. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  13. Emotions
  14. Endo Explained: Ask the Experts
  15. EndoFound’s LGBTQIA Resource Hub for Endo Patients
  16. Endoactive.org.au [EndoActive, Australia and New Zealand]
    Endometriosis After Menopause
  17. Endofound.org [Endometriosis Foundation of America]
  18. Endomarch.org [Worldwide EndoMarch]
  19. Endometrial Ablation
  20. Endometriosis
  21. Endometriosis
  22. Endometriosis
  23. Endometriosis
  24. Endometriosis
  25. Endometriosis
  26. Endometriosis
  27. SWHR Endo ToolkitEndometriosis
  28. Endometriosis 2023 Global Patient Symposium
  29. Endometriosis A-Z
  30. Endometriosis Action Month 2023 [March, United Kingdom]
  31. Endometriosis After Menopause: What To Know
  32. Endometriosis Awareness: Empowering Patients [Video]
  33. Endometriosis Before and After Menopause [Webinar]
  34. Endometriosis FAQs [+ Video: What Happens If My Endometriosis Is Left Untreated? Ask Mayo Clinic [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  35. Endometriosis Glossary
  36. Endometriosis Symptoms
  37. Endometriosis Toolkit Video Series
  38. Endometriosis Toolkit Video Series: Understanding Endometriosis
  39. Endometriosis Toolkit: A Patient Empowerment Guide
  40. Endometriosis Toolkit: A Patient Empowerment Guide – Endometriosis and Menopause
  41. Endometriosis Treatment and Support
  42. Endometriosis [+ Videos]
  43. Endometriosis and Couples [+ Video]
  44. Endometriosis and the Menopause
  45. Endometriosis and the Menopause: Why the Question Merits Our Full Attention
  46. Endometriosis – Management After Menopause
  47. Endometriosis – Multilingual Fact Sheets
  48. Endometriosis-uk.org [Endometriosis UK] [United Kingdom]
  49. Endometriosis-uk.org [Endometriosis UK] [United Kingdom]: Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme
  50. Endometriosis.ca [World Endometriosis Society]
  51. Endometriosis.org
  52. Endometriosis: Complications & Risk
  53. Endometriosis: Diagnosis & Management [NICE Guideline [National Institute for Health and Care Excellence]]
  54. Endometriosis: Diagnosis – Information Your Doctor Will Need
  55. Endometriosis: Fertility & Pregnancy
  56. Endometriosis: Symptoms & Causes [+ Video]
  57. Endometriosis: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms During Menopause
  58. Endometriosisassn.org [Endometriosis Association]
  59. Endometriosisaustralia.org [Endometriosis Australia]
  60. Endometriosisaustralia.org [Endometriosis Australia]: Webinars
  61. Endometriosisfoundation.org [World Endometriosis Research Foundation]
  62. Endometriosisnews.com
  63. Endotv.com [EndoTV Health Network, The Endometriosis Foundation of America, United States]
  64. Endowise.org.au [Endo Wise, Australia]
    Endo Wise
  65. FAQS
  66. FAQs
  67. Fatigue Is Common Among Women Who Have Endometriosis
  68. Finding An Endometriosis Specialist
  69. First Consultation
  70. Glossary
  71. Got Endometriosis? Experts Answer Your Top Questions
  72. Induced Menopause In Women With Endometriosis
  73. Laparoscopy
  74. Let’s Talk About…Smear Tests When You Have Endometriosis
  75. Malignant Transformation of Postmenopausal Endometriosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature
  76. Mayo Clinic Minute: When Surgery for Endometriosis Is the Answer [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  77. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Endometrial Ablation When Pelvic Pain or Endometriosis Are Present
  78. Menopause Mindfulness: Understanding the Many Paths To Menopause
  79. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: What Is Menopause?
  80. Myth or Fact? 8 Common Endometriosis Questions Answered | Ask Cleveland Clinic’s Expert
  81. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  82. National Endometriosis Organisations
  83. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  84. Pelvic Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  85. Period Pain & Symptom Diary
    Pain & Symptom Diary
  86. Periodnow.org
  87. Rethinking How We Treat Endometriosis | Linda Griffith | TEDxMIT
  88. Seeking A Doctor: Finding the Right Endometriosis Specialist
  89. Surgical Menopause and Menopause In Women with Endometriosis | Dr Newson Instagram Live
  90. Ten Endometriosis Facts
  91. The Best and Worst Foods for an Anti-Inflammatory Endometriosis Diet
  92. The Endometriosis Resource Portal for People of Color
    Endometriosis Portal
  93. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  94. Treatments
  95. Understanding Endometriosis – Booklet
  96. Webinars: Previous – Reproductive Conditions and Consequences for Menopausal Health and Management
  97. What Is Endometriosis?
  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: 05 March 2023
  2. Endometriosis: Symptoms & Causes. Last Updated: 28 February 2023 | Last Reviewed: 31 January 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/symptoms-causes Accessed: 05 March 2023
  3. Endometriosis. Page Last Updated: 06 May 2021. World Endometriosis Society https://endometriosis.ca/endometriosis/ Accessed: 05 March 2023
  4. Endometriosis: Causes. Last Updated: 28 February 2023. NHS Inform https://swhr.org/swhr_resource/endometriosis-toolkit-video-series/ Accessed: 05 March 2023
  5. Facts About Endometriosis. September 2015. World Endometriosis Society; and World Endometriosis Research Foundation https://endometriosisfoundation.org/Facts-about-endometriosis.pdf Accessed: 05 March 2023
  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: 05 March 2023
  7. Endometriosis Facts and Figures. Endometriosis UK http://endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-facts-and-figures Accessed: 05 March 2023
  8. Endometriosis Treatment and Support: How Can Endometriosis Be Diagnosed? Endometriosis Foundation https://www.endofound.org/endometriosis-treatment-support Accessed: 05 March 2023
  9. Endometriosis: Diagnosis – When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 23 February 2023 | Last Reviewed: 31 January 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/diagnosis Accessed: 05 March 2023
  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: 05 March 2023
  11. About Endometriosis: Symptoms of Endometriosis. Endometriosis.org https://endometriosis.org/endometriosis/ Accessed: 05 March 2023
  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: 05 March 2023
  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: 05 March 2023
  14. Endometriosis: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms During the Menopause Transition. Last Updated: 28 February 2023 | Last Reviewed: 31 January 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/symptoms-causes Accessed: 05 March 2023
  15. Endometriosis: Diagnosis. Last Updated: 23 February 2023 | Last Reviewed: 31 January 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/diagnosis Accessed: 05 March 2023
Topic Last Updated: 28 March 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 05 March 2023

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