Endometriosis 101

Symptoms, diagnosis, and steps to take control.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of your uterus. This tissue can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of the uterus, and other organs in the pelvis. While normal endometrial tissue sheds during menstruation, the endometrial tissue that is growing outside your uterus has no way to leave your body, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pain.

Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. Despite how common it is, endometriosis often goes undiagnosed for years (sometimes decades) due to a lack of awareness of the condition and the normalization of severe menstrual pain. Women with endometriosis are often misdiagnosed with other medical conditions and even psychological conditions, while the true reason for their symptoms (endometriosis) never gets addressed.

Got endometriosis symptoms?

There are a lot of different symptoms you might experience if you have endometriosis. You may have severe symptoms — or you may have none at all.

Some of the most common endometriosis symptoms include:

Pelvic Pain: Often happens around the time you menstruate aka you get your period, but it can happen at other times too. And this pain can also occur in other places, even as far away as your shoulder or neck, wherever endometrial tissue is growing.
Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): Intense cramping that might get worse and worse as time goes on, the longer your endometriosis stays unmanaged.
Pain During Intercourse: This pain Particularly during deep penetration.
Painful Bowel Movements or Urination: Especially during menstruation.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Or bleeding between periods.
Infertility: Difficulty conceiving is often a key indicator of endometriosis.
Fatigue, Nausea, and Bloating: Symptoms that can be mistaken for other conditions.

Who Does Endometriosis Affect?

Endometriosis can affect anyone with a uterus, but it is most commonly diagnosed in women in their 20s and 30s. Factors that may increase the risk of developing endometriosis include:

Family History: Having a close relative with endometriosis.
Early Onset of Menstruation: Starting periods at an early age.
Short Menstrual Cycles: Less than 27 days.
Heavy Menstrual Periods: Or periods lasting longer than 7 days.

It’s important to note that endometriosis can occur in transgender men and non-binary individuals who menstruate, making it an inclusive health concern.

How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging, as symptoms often overlap with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The diagnostic process typically includes:

Medical History and Symptom Discussion: Detailed conversations with a healthcare provider.
Pelvic Exam: To feel for abnormalities.
Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or MRI to identify cysts or endometriomas.
Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure where a camera is inserted into the abdomen to confirm the presence of endometrial-like tissue. This is considered the gold standard for diagnosis.

How Does Endometriosis Affect Fertility?

Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility, affecting up to 50% of women with the condition. It can interfere with fertility in several ways:

Distorted Anatomy: Scarring and adhesions can block the fallopian tubes or alter the position of reproductive organs.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation may affect egg quality and implantation.
Hormonal Imbalances: Disruptions in hormones critical for ovulation and implantation.
Endometriomas: Cysts on the ovaries that can damage ovarian tissue.

While endometriosis can make conception more difficult, many women with the condition go on to have healthy pregnancies, often with medical assistance.

We Can Help!

Stopping Endometriosis from controlling your life doesn’t have to mean taking birth control or Naproxen or Diclofenac forever. It involves real, practical and sustainable nutrition and lifestyle changes.

✨ Michelle W. was considering IVF because of her Endometriosis & Endometriosis. But then…“I really thought it was going to take me years and years before getting pregnant. I got pregnant...after following the advice from the modules and especially the endo bonus module.”

✨ “My cycles are regular (28 days consistently) and my endometriosis symptoms and pelvic pain have drastically improved. It is 100% worth it. Loren takes the guess work out of starting a protocol and gives you all the tools needed to be successful.” — M.H.

✨ In less than 2 months of working with us, our client got pregnant for the first time in 3 years of trying to conceive. With a triple diagnosis of PCOS, Hashimoto’s and Endometriosis.

Our practice, The Greenhouse, is exclusively dedicated to supporting your fertility. We have helped many, many women put their Endometriosis into remission, as well as get pregnant naturally with Endometriosis (even Stage IV!). We can help you get the answers and support that you so deserve. Apply for Endometriosis support here.

Learn more

📰 Thoughts on Endometriosis

📰 Are you trying to conceive with endometriosis?

📰 4 reasons your luteal phase is low (and your progesterone is low, too)

📰 Secrets of the Estrogen Industry

📰 5 things to detox before Pregnancy

📰 What is estrogen dominance?

📰 What are Xenoestrogens?

📰 Menorrhagia: Abnormally heavy or prolonged periods.

📰 What is fertility?

References

Giudice, L. C., & Kao, L. C. (2004). Endometriosis. The Lancet, 364(9447), 1789-1799. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(04)17403-5
Bulun, S. E. (2009). Endometriosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 360(3), 268-279. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra0804690
Parasar, P., Ozcan, P., & Terry, K. L. (2017). Endometriosis: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and clinical management. Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports, 6(1), 34-41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-017-0187-1
Hansen, K. E., et al. (2013). The impact of a structured exercise program on pain and quality of life for women with endometriosis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 209(3), 248.e1-248.e8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2013.05.034
Marziali, M., et al. (2015). Dietary interventions and endometriosis: A systematic review. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 31(6), 710-719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.09.013

*Not medical advice. Always discuss changes to your healthcare routine with your doctor.