Do You Have Severe Menstrual Pain? It Could Be Endometriosis!

Endometriosis: Menstrual Pain Beyond What’s Normal

Early Diagnosis Is Key

Treatments That Relieve and Help

Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, and although awareness has grown in recent years, it remains a condition surrounded by uncertainty.

To better understand it, Dr. Megan Wasson, a gynecologic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, explains its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Endometriosis is a condition many women still do not fully understand

Endometriosis symptoms and treatment – PHOTO: Envato

1. Tissue Where It Doesn’t Belong

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus—the endometrium—grows outside the uterus.

This tissue responds to the hormonal cycle just like normal endometrium: it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds each month. However, because it has no natural way to exit the body, it causes inflammation, pain, and in some cases, infertility.

Most common areas where it appears:

Ovaries

Fallopian tubes

Tissue lining the pelvis

In rare cases, it can spread to other organs.

2. Endometriosis Symptoms: Beyond Menstrual Cramps

The most characteristic symptom is intense pelvic pain, often mistaken for normal menstrual cramps.

However, endometriosis-related pain is usually more severe and persistent.

Other common symptoms include:

Pain during sexual intercourse

Pain when urinating or during bowel movements

Heavy bleeding or bleeding between periods

Fatigue, nausea, or digestive problems

According to Mayo Clinic, the intensity of pain does not always reflect the severity of the disease: some women with small lesions experience severe pain, while others with extensive disease may feel little discomfort.

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3. Possible Causes (and Why There Are Still Mysteries)

Despite medical advances, the exact cause of endometriosis has not been definitively confirmed, though several theories exist:

Retrograde menstruation: menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes, depositing cells in the pelvis.

Cellular transformation: hormones such as estrogen may transform other body cells into endometrial-like tissue.

Surgical scars: after cesarean sections or abdominal surgeries, endometrial cells may attach to incision sites.

Immune system factors: the body may fail to eliminate abnormal tissue.

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4. Risk Factors You Should Know

Research points to certain factors that increase the likelihood of developing endometriosis:

Never having given birth

Early menstruation or late menopause

Short menstrual cycles or heavy bleeding

Family history

Low body mass index

Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that hormonal and environmental factors also influence the development of the disease.

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5. Endometriosis Complications and Possible Treatments

The main complication is infertility, though a slight association with ovarian cancer has also been observed.

Treatment varies depending on age, desire for pregnancy, and severity of symptoms.

Common endometriosis treatment options include:

Hormonal medications to reduce tissue growth

Laparoscopic surgery to remove lesions

Lifestyle changes and psychological support

Dr. Wasson emphasizes that early diagnosis improves quality of life and allows pain to be managed more effectively.

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6. Conclusion: Talking Is Healing

Endometriosis is not just menstrual pain.

It is a real, complex, and often invisible disease. Becoming informed, seeking specialized medical care, and sharing experiences can make a meaningful difference.

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Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a gynecologist if there is any suspicion, as knowledge and early detection are the best tools for regaining well-being.

Important Notice: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

SOURCE: Mayo Clinic – Endometriosis: Symptoms and Causes / Office on Women’s Health – Endometriosis Facts