Endometriosis stands as a multifaceted disorder within the female reproductive system, characterised by the presence of cells resembling those lining the uterus, scattered throughout the body.

Commonly, patches of endometriosis manifest in reproductive organs and the large intestines, though they can also occur in rarer sites like the lungs¹ and brain².

Throughout the menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations stimulate these misplaced cells, prompting their growth, breakdown, and bleeding akin to the uterine lining. Consequently, inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation occur, sometimes leading to the fusion of organs and tissues, termed "adhesions." More than 1 in 4 women experience these adhesions³.

Remarkably, despite affecting roughly 200 million women around the world, endometriosis often remains undiagnosed, with an average diagnostic delay of 7.5 years in the UK⁴ due to its intricate nature. Diagnosis typically necessitates surgical intervention.

The exact cause of endometriosis is not yet known but it has been proven to be linked to oestrogen, specifically an increase in oestrogen and oestrogen receptor activation⁵. Treatment predominantly revolves around surgical removal of endometriotic tissue, although recurrence remains a concern. Therefore, holistic support encompassing medical, nutritional, and lifestyle interventions is paramount.

Endometriosis is not a purely medical disorder; it severely impacts quality of life. Not only does it cause sever menstrual pain and heavy bleeding, it has also been shown to:

• Affect bowel movements and water works⁶
• Cause painful sexual intercourse⁶
• Severe fatigue⁷
• Higher risk of depression⁸

In essence, understanding endometriosis means recognising its complexity and the diverse ways it manifests, underscoring the importance of an incredibly holistic and multidimensional aspect of support for affected individuals.

1. Foster, D C Md; Stern, J L Md; Buscema, J Md; Rock, J A Md; Woodruff, J D Md. Pleural And Parenchymal Pulmonary Endometriosis. Obstetrics & Gynecology 58(5):P 552-556, November 1981.
2. Elefante, Camilla Et Al. “Psychiatric Symptoms In Patients With Cerebral Endometriosis: A Case Report And Literature Review.” Journal Of Clinical Medicine 11.23 (2022): 7212-.
3. Abd El-Kader Ai, Gonied As, Lotfy Mohamed M, Lotfy Mohamed S. Impact Of Endometriosis-Related Adhesions On Quality Of Life Among Infertile Women. Int J Fertil Steril. 2019 Apr;13(1):72-76. Doi: 10.22074/Ijfs.2019.5572. Epub 2019 Jan 6.
4. Vishalli Ghai, Haider Jan, Fevzi Shakir, Pat Haines & Andrew Kent (2020) Diagnostic Delay For Superficial And Deep Endometriosis In The United Kingdom, Journal Of Obstetrics And Gynaecology, 40:1, 83-89, Doi: 1080/01443615.2019.1603217
5. Chantalat E, Valera MC, Vaysse C, Noirrit E, Rusidze M, Weyl A, Vergriete K, Buscail E, Lluel P, Fontaine C, Arnal JF, Lenfant F. Estrogen Receptors and Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Apr 17;21(8):2815. doi: 10.3390/ijms21082815.
6. National Heath Service. Endometriosis. NHS. 2022 September 05.
7. Annika Ramin-Wright, Alexandra Sabrina Kohl Schwartz, Kirsten Geraedts, Martina Rauchfuss, Monika Martina Wölfler, Felix Haeberlin, Stephanie Von Orelli, Markus Eberhard, Bruno Imthurn, Patrick Imesch, Daniel Fink, Brigitte Leeners, Fatigue – A Symptom In Endometriosis, Human Reproduction, Volume 33, Issue 8, August 2018, Pages 1459–1465, Https://Doi.Org/10.1093/Humrep/Dey115
8. Warzecha D, Szymusik I, Wielgos M, Pietrzak B. The Impact Of Endometriosis On The Quality Of Life And The Incidence Of Depression-A Cohort Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May 21;17(10):3641. Doi: 10.3390/Ijerph17103641.