Researchers believe that endometriosis affects 10-15% of women globally and this number is on the rise each year. But what causes the disease, ranked as one of the 20 most painful health conditions in the world?
Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition causing tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow outside of the uterus. As this tissue is not supposed to be there, it leads to inflammation and scar tissue growing around the pelvic region and sometimes even outside out it.
Whilst the World Health Organisation states that the cause of endometriosis is unknown, medical experts and holistic health specialists have begun to piece together the puzzle of what may lead to the condition.
- Retrograde Menstruation
During your period, some blood may flow in the wrong direction, going up through the fallopian tubes and in to your pelvis rather than out of your vagina. This is a normal function of your body and is not usually cause for concern. However, when it is happening at a significant rate, it may cause endometrial cells to settle in your pelvic region, causing endometriosis.
The causes of retrograde menstruation itself are again, unknown. Researchers believe that physical factors such as a small cervical opening, or genetics, may play a part.
2. Hormonal Changes
Some experts believe that hormones such as Estrogen may transform both the peritoneal cells (cells on the inside of your abdomen) and embryonic cells (cells in the early stage of development). Changes to your body’s normal cells can catalyse the processes that cause endometriosis.
This is why nutrition and lifestyle are such huge factors in preventing and treating all hormonal conditions, not just endometriosis. For an in-depth breakdown of the lifestyle factors that impact your hormones, see our article on What Causes Hormonal Imbalances?
3. Surgery
Following surgery in your stomach or pelvic area (such as a C-section), endometrial cells may attach to surgical scar tissue. These displaced endometrial cells then continue to grow and thicken, eventually leading to scar tissue growing around your pelvic organs such as your bladder, ovaries and rectum. This in turn may lead to endometriosis.
This process can also be referred to as direct transplantation.
4. Changes to the Immune System
Whilst the link between the immune system and endometriosis has not yet been widely studied, a 2019 study, women with endometriosis were at a higher risk of several autoimmune conditions. In terms of my personal experience, I have yet to meet a woman with endometriosis who does not have some form of autoimmune concerns, and I myself have both endometriosis and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
A fully functioning immune system would clear endometrial tissue found outside of the uterus. However, in someone whose immune system is compromised, this does not happen and endometrial tissue begins to grow where it shouldn’t, leading to endometriosis.
In modern life, there are multiple lifestyle factors which contribute to undermining your immune system and your body’s natural hormonal balance.
5. Genetics
Having a family member with endometriosis significantly heightens your chances of developing it. Multiple studies have confirmed the hereditary link between endometriosis and its patients, with one UK study citing a sixfold increased frequency of endometriosis of those with first-degree relatives (mother, sister or child) with the condition.
