by Jennifer Smith

Created on: April 26, 2008   Last Updated: May 03, 2012

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body. This tissue is called endometrial stroma and is a type of gland that should only be found inside of a woman's uterus. Instead, these glands can be found throughout the pelvic cavity, on the ovaries, the fallopian tubs, and the pelvic sidewall.

Sometimes, although rare, endometriosis has been found inside of the vagina, bladder, lung, spine, or brain.

Although doctors are unsure as to the exact causes of endometriosis several different hypotheses have been put forward. Notice the intentional use of the word hypothesis. This is because none of the theories have ever been entirely proven, nor have they been able to explain all of the mechanisms' that are associated with the disease of endometriosis.

However, most researchers agree that endometriosis is exacerbated by oestrogen. Although current treatments for the disease seek to eliminate the amount of oestrogen in a woman's body to relieve her symptoms there are currently NO treatments that will fully cure endometriosis.

One possible cause of endometriosis is thought to be caused by a process known as Metaplasia. Metaplasia means to change from one normal type of tissue to another normal type of tissue. Some research has suggested that endometrial tissue has the ability to replace other types of tissue that are found outside of the uterus.

Not unlike cancers endometrial fragments may travel through blood vessels or the lymphatic system to other parts of the body. This process that is known as Lymphatic or vascular distribution may explain how endometriosis ends up in distant sites, such as the lung, brain, skin, or eye.

As stated before, there are no known cures for endometriosis. Treatment therefore is as specific as the woman experiencing the disease. Since pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis pain killers are prescribed such as aspirin and paracetamol as well as narcotic analegesics that are similar to morphine.

Women may choose to have hormonal treatments that will limit the oestrogen production in a woman's body therefore relieving her symptoms to some degree. Types of hormonal treatments may include birth control pills, progestin's, a class of drugs known as GnRH-agonists, and danazol. These therapies have varying degrees of side effects, and unfortunately what ever pain relief that is achieved is only temporary.

Surgery is also a common treatment for endometriosis. The success of the surgery depends on the thoroughness of the surgery and the skill of the surgeon. The objective is to remove all endometriosis legions, cysts, and adhesions.

Like every other disease, nutrition plays an important role in the control of endometriosis. Good nutrition will increase her ability to deal with potential side effects of treatment, increase her energy, and enhance her ability to think clearly.

Endometriosis is as much an emotional disease as it is a physical disease. It is important for women dealing with the disease to seek out support groups and counselors to help deal with the emotional side effects of the disease.

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