Endometriosis is a relatively common medical problem that happens when the endometrium — the tissue lining your uterus — grows in another area of your body. Chronic pelvic pain is a hallmark symptom, and in fact, data show that about 70% of pelvic pain is due to underlying endometriosis.
But that’s just one way endometriosis affects a woman’s life and health. For many, the endometrial growths — called implants — cause period-related changes, too.
At Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, Rafael J. Perez, MD, FACOG, offers patient-centered treatment for endometriosis, helping women relieve their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Here, learn how endometriosis could cause changes in your period, so you can seek treatment as soon as possible.
Your endometrium plays a central role in reproductive health, providing a nutrient-rich, stable base for egg implantation.
Every menstrual cycle, an increase in estrogen causes the endometrial tissue to thicken in preparation for possible pregnancy. When pregnancy doesn’t occur, the endometrium is shed during your period.
When endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine lining, estrogen still exerts its influence, and the endometrial implants thicken and swell along with the tissue lining your uterus.
Not surprisingly, when these changes occur outside your uterus, the endometrial tissue can’t be shed — instead, the implants are trapped, leading to pain, inflammation, and sometimes, scarring.
Endometrial implants most commonly form in the ovaries, but they can also be found on the ligaments supporting your uterus, in your gastrointestinal tract, and even in your lungs and central nervous system.
While researchers aren’t sure what causes endometriosis, they believe it may have a genetic link or it could be related to abnormal immune function.
Many women with endometriosis find their symptoms worsen during menstruation, and sometimes during ovulation, too. That’s not surprising since endometrial implants respond in the same way as the endometrial tissue that lines your uterus.
Many women with endometriosis have severe cramping during their periods, more than what typically occurs during menstruation. Cramping often begins in the days leading up to your period, sometimes interfering with regular activities.
Endometriosis can also influence your menstrual flow, resulting in spotting between periods or an unusually heavy flow. Without treatment, heavy periods can lead to anemia and feelings of chronic fatigue.
When implants affect your ovaries or cause scarring, it can interfere with fertility, as well. In fact, as many as 50% of women who have endometriosis also experience fertility problems.
There’s no cure for endometriosis, but it can be managed with ongoing treatment. Many women benefit from hormone therapy to help stabilize estrogen levels that cause implants to swell and cause painful symptoms. Pain medication can also help.
If your symptoms are very severe or if the implants interfere with fertility, Dr. Perez may recommend surgery to remove the implants. Afterward, ongoing medical treatment with hormone therapy helps prevent recurrence.
Endometriosis is just one possible reason for painful periods or bleeding between periods. If you have these or other unusual period-related symptoms, it’s important to have them evaluated as soon as possible.
To schedule your evaluation or to learn more about endometriosis management, call our office to request an appointment with Dr. Perez and our team at Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery in South Miami, Florida, today.
