Endometriosis affects millions of women across the globe. This complex condition results in a variety of often debilitating symptoms for women, such as extremely painful and heavy periods, bloating, fatigue, and more. The word endometriosis is derived from the word endometrium, the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the endometrium grows to prepare the uterus for a fertilised egg. When endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, the resulting condition is endometriosis. This raises the question: what can trigger endometriosis?
What Doctors Know So Far
It is critical to note that, to date, doctors are not certain of the exact cause of endometriosis. Several factors are believed to increase the risk of developing endometriosis, although no single theory has been definitively proven.
Retrograde Menstruation
Retrograde menstruation is one of many theories for what triggers endometriosis. During menstruation, instead of all the endometrial cells exiting the body as they should, some endometrial-like cells travel backwards through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity. Endometriosis occurs if these cells subsequently implant and grow on the pelvic organs.
Hormonal Imbalances
Imbalances in hormones, particularly oestrogen, may contribute to the development of endometriosis. Oestrogen is responsible for thickening the endometrial lining of the uterus every month. If the levels are too high, it could stimulate the abnormal growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus.
Genetic Factors
When endometriosis appears to run in families, it could be due to genetic factors. Women with a mother, sister, or daughter with endometriosis have a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. Researchers are trying to identify genes that may be linked to endometriosis.
Immune System Dysfunction
Usually, the immune system can recognise and destroy any misplaced endometrial-like cells. However, in women with endometriosis, it appears that this system fails. It’s believed that a weakened immune system or an abnormal immune response can allow endometrial-like cells to implant and grow in areas outside the uterus.
Surgical Scars
Endometrial-like cells can sometimes attach to surgical scars, such as from a caesarean section or hysterectomy. Although rarer compared to other potential triggers, the growth of these cells can lead to endometriosis.
Blood or Lymph System Transport
Another theory is that endometrial-like cells can be transported via the blood or lymph systems to other parts of the body. This may lead to endometrial-like implants in remote places such as the lungs or brain. While this is not the primary pathway for the spread of endometriosis, it does explain some rare cases.
Environmental Factors
Certain environmental toxins, such as dioxins, may increase the risk of endometriosis. Such toxins may interfere with the body’s hormonal and immune systems, potentially leading to the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
Cellular Metaplasia
The theory of cellular metaplasia suggests that certain cells outside the uterus can transform into endometrial-like cells. Hormonal and immune factors may influence this transformation, leading to the development of endometriosis.
Embryonic Cell Transformation
According to this theory, cells that are laid down during embryonic development can transform into endometrial-like cells later in life. Hormonal changes and environmental toxins may trigger this transformation.
Endometriosis is a complex condition with multiple potential triggers. While these factors may increase the likelihood of endometriosis, they do not guarantee its development. Some women may have multiple risk factors and others may develop endometriosis without any known triggers. If you suspect you have endometriosis or experience painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, or pain during intercourse, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.
