What Causes Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a very complex condition, and researchers are just starting to scratch the surface on what causes this whole-body condition.
“Endometriosis is one of the most poorly understood conditions affecting the health of reproductive-age women”
(Rumph et al., 2019)
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grows outside of the uterus. This tissue usually proliferates in and around the pelvic region and can attach to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel and bladder. Common symptoms of endometriosis include chronic pelvic pain, period pain, pain on intercourse and impaired fertility.
We still don’t have a definitive answer on what causes endometriosis, however we now have insight into various factors that may contribute to its progression and/or symptoms.
This is really important because when treating endometriosis holistically, we need to look at various body systems and lifestyle factors. And more specifically, we need to look at the individual person and their own unique drivers.
Here is a little breakdown of the difference factors that can contribute to Endometriosis:
Gut health
Digestive complaints are a common symtpoms of endometriosis. Studies have found that people with endometriosis are more likely to have disturbances in their microbiome - the community of trillions of bugs living in our gut. Specifically, these people are found to have more harmful gut species that release damaging compounds into the pelvic region, contributing to endometriosis growth.
Immune system
The immune cells in and around the reproductive organs help to keep the area clean (i.e. free on endometriosis). In people with endometriosis, these immune cleaner cells may not be working properly, and may in fact be releasing chemicals which support endometriosis growth.
Hormones
The growth of endometrial lesions is accelerated by an increase in the activity of the hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen is usually balanced out by progesterone, so having low progesterone can also contribute.
Inflammation
People with endometriosis have increased release of chemicals that can cause pain and support the growth of endometriosis lesions. An interesting pain causing chemical which is gaining more attention is histamine.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are chemicals which can disrupt our hormones. These chemicals are rife in plastics, self-care products, insecticides/pesticides and cleaning products, and include BPA and pthalates. Research suggests that over-exposure of a pregnant mother to these chemicals may increase the risk of endometriosis in her children. Adult exposure to these chemicals may also theoretically worsen endometriosis progression.
As you can see, endometriosis is a very complex condition, and there is still so much research that needs to be done.
Want to explore the unique drivers of your endometriosis? Book your free complimentary 20 minute phone consultation here.
References
Crispim, P., Jammal, M. P., Murta, E., & Nomelini, R. S. (2021). Endometriosis: What is the Influence of Immune Cells?. Immunological investigations, 50(4), 372–388. https://doi-org.wwwproxy1.library.unsw.edu.au/10.1080/08820139.2020.1764577
Khan, K. N., Kitajima, M., Hiraki, K., Yamaguchi, N., Katamine, S., Matsuyama, T., … Masuzaki, H. (2010). Escherichia coli contamination of menstrual blood and effect of bacterial endotoxin on endometriosis. Fertility and Sterility, 94(7), 2860–2863.e3. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.04.053
Koninckx, P. R., Ussia, A., Tahlak, M., Adamyan, L., Wattiez, A., Martin, D. C., & Gomel, V. (2019). Infection as a potential cofactor in the genetic-epigenetic pathophysiology of endometriosis: a systematic review. Facts, views & vision in ObGyn, 11(3), 209–216.
Rumph, J. T., Stephens, V. R., Archibong, A. E., Osteen, K. G., & Bruner-Tran, K. L. (2020). Environmental Endocrine Disruptors and Endometriosis. Advances in anatomy, embryology, and cell biology, 232, 57–78. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51856-1_4