Endometriosis is a disease that affects females in their reproductive years. Endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, which builds up and sheds each month in the menstrual cycle. With Endometriosis this tissue is found in locations outside of the uterus, and develops into nodules, lesions, tumors, growths, or implants. These growths are commonly found in the abdomen, ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments supporting the uterus, the lining of the pelvic cavity, between the vagina and rectum, and outer surface of the uterus. Other sites for these endometrial growths may include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, and in abdominal surgical scars. Less commonly they are found in the lung, arm, thigh, and other locations.

     The most common symptoms are PAIN, pain before and during a women's period, pain during or after sexual activity, heavy or irregular bleeding, infertility, fatigue, painful bowel movements, lower back pain, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, and other intestinal upsets. Many women with endo also suffer from allergies, chemical sensitivities, and frequent yeast infections.

Some women have pain all the time, while others may only have pain before or during their period. Some women have no symptoms, and the amount of pain is not necessarily related to the extent or size of the growths. Infertility affects approximately 30% to 40%, and is a common result with the progression of the disease.

The cause of endometriosis is unknown, although there are several theories. The retrograde menstruation theory suggests that during menstruation some of the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes, implants in the abdomen, and grows. Another theory suggests that endometrial tissue is distributed from the uterus to other parts of the body through the lymph system or through the blood system. A genetic theory suggests that it may be carried in the genes in certain families or that some families may have predisposing factors to endometriosis.

Recent research has revealed that women with endometriosis are also likely to experience an array of immune system problems, suggesting that immune system dysfunction may be a cause of endometriosis.

Environmental factors are also implicated. While we still lack scientific certainty about the causes of endometriosis, exposures to environmental toxins that undermine the immune system are emerging as a very likely cause. Both dioxin (and other dioxin-like compounds) harm the immune system in people and animals. Other contaminants also are toxic to the immune system including a variety of pesticides and industrial compounds.

The most telling evidence on the Dioxin Theory comes from animal studies in which dioxin produced endometriosis in Rhesus monkeys, and also increased the likelihood that endometrial implants thrived in rodents. Monkeys exposed to radiation also are more likely to develop endometriosis.

Diagnosis of Endometriosis is considered uncertain until proven by laparoscopy. My best recommendation, if you suspect or have endo, is to find a doctor that specializes in it. There seem to be many doctors and OBGYN's that claim to treat endometriosis. But many of these same doctors when presented with the many forms of endo completely miss it or voluntarily leave endo behind because they are not capable of removing it. A good doctor makes a big difference!

You must find a treatment that is right for you. What works for one woman may not work for another. Investigate all of your options before having a hysterectomy, taking any GNRH drugs, or making any rash decisions. A hysterectomy does not guarantee that endometriosis will not return. There is no cure for endo.....Yet.

If you are considering a hysterectomy you may want to check out this site first....
Hysterectomy Awareness http://www.angelfire.com/fl/endohystnhrt

I once asked the members of alt.support.endometriosis newsgroup for their input on describing how endometriosis feels. You can view their answers here.