
16 Apr 2015
Endometriosis: How Do I Get Endometriosis?
Endometriosis: There are many theories about how one ends up with endometriosis.
- Hormones made by your ovaries: estrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH can control the growth of the lesions and where they end up in your body. Usually, it is an imbalance between the hormones that causes the lesions to grow. For example, high estradiol levels (a type of estrogen) and low progesterone levels, causing the two to be out of balance.
- Genetics can increase your likelihood of developing endometriosis; more studies have found associations between certain SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) and endometriosis.
- A greater number of leukocytes and macrophages (white blood cells) are found in the peritoneal cavity. These cells then produce another group of cells called cytokines which are inflammatory.
- When you have your period, your body produces endometrial cells and these make their way into the uterus then out the fallopian tubes. This gives them the opportunity to attach to various areas in the pelvic cul-de-sac.
- Endometrial cells or tissue can travel through the lymph or blood vessels ending up in areas outside of the pelvic area such as the colon, ligaments, bladder, pancreases, liver, lung, etc.
- Having an autoimmune inflammatory condition, hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
- Oxidative stress creates an inflammatory response.
Take home summary:
For many women it is a combination of these different theories that creates an environment in their body that allows endometriosis to grow. One of my goals is to help you understand these different theories and how they apply to your body so you can make the best decision for YOU to end YOUR endometriosis.
Read more in How do I know I have endometriosis?