Endometriosis impacts millions of women worldwide and can have serious consequences on health and well-being, including chronic pain, discomfort, and challenges with fertility. It often marks the start of a difficult healthcare journey, as obtaining an endometriosis diagnosis and subsequent treatment can be long, complicated, and confusing. Adding to this frustration, despite extensive research, the exact cause or causes of endometriosis remain a mystery.
However, several theories propose what factors might trigger or cause endometriosis. If you’re looking to enhance your understanding of endometriosis and learn about potential prevention methods, there is still valuable information to consider.
This guide to the potential causes of endometriosis explains the current theories on what might trigger the condition and explores whether any prevention methods can support your health.
All information in this article has been reviewed by a qualified, expert practitioner.
What causes endometriosis? Exploring the leading theories
The exact causes of endometriosis remain unclear despite extensive research. However, several leading theories propose potential triggers and mechanisms behind its development, and a combination of these factors may contribute to the condition. Understanding these theories can provide valuable insights and guide further research toward a definitive understanding of endometriosis.
List of potential causes of endometriosis:
- Retrograde menstruation
- Cell transformation (metaplasia)
- Embryonic cell misplacement
- Immune system dysfunction
- Genetic factors
Retrograde Menstruation
One of the most well-researched theories on what causes endometriosis is retrograde menstruation. This theory suggests that during menstruation, some menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity instead of leaving the body. The endometrial cells in this blood then implant themselves on the pelvic organs, leading to the development of endometriosis.
Supporting Evidence: Retrograde menstruation is common, and many women experience it to some degree, which could explain the prevalence of endometriosis. However, why only some women develop endometriosis from this process remains unclear and requires further research.
Evidence against: Not all women with retrograde menstruation develop endometriosis, suggesting that additional factors such as genetic predisposition or immune system differences may be critical in the development of the condition.
Cell transformation (metaplasia)
Another theory suggests that endometriosis is triggered by metaplasia, the conversion of one cell type to another. Specifically, this theory proposes that cells in the pelvic or abdominal area, which are not originally endometrial cells, can transform into endometrial-like cells under specific conditions.
Supporting evidence: Metaplasia is a documented biological process seen in other medical conditions.
Evidence against: The specific triggers for metaplasia in endometriosis are not well understood and require further investigation.
Embryonic cell misplacement
The embryonic cell misplacement theory proposes that during fetal development, some cells that should become endometrial cells migrate to other areas of the body. These misplaced cells remain dormant until triggered by hormonal changes during puberty, coinciding with the onset of menstruation.
Supporting evidence: This theory may explain cases of endometriosis in young girls who experience hormonal changes before menstruation begins, suggesting a congenital origin.
Evidence against: Further research is needed to confirm the presence and behavior of these cells in early development.
Immune system dysfunction
Some researchers believe that immune system dysfunction may contribute to the development of endometriosis. A compromised immune system might fail to recognise and eliminate misplaced endometrial cells, allowing them to implant and grow outside the uterus.
Supporting evidence: Studies have shown immune abnormalities in women with endometriosis, such as reduced natural killer cell activity.
Evidence against: The relationship between immune dysfunction and endometriosis is complex and not fully understood. It is unclear whether immune issues are a cause or a consequence of endometriosis.
Genetic factors
Genetics likely play a role in endometriosis, as women with a family history of the condition are at higher risk. While several genetic markers associated with increased risk have been identified, they do not fully explain the onset of endometriosis.
Supporting evidence: Research has identified genetic factors linked to endometriosis susceptibility.
Evidence against: Genetic factors alone do not fully explain why endometriosis develops, suggesting other environmental or biological factors are involved.
Can you prevent endometriosis?
Currently, it is not possible to prevent endometriosis because the exact causes of the condition are not fully understood. Without knowing the precise mechanisms that lead to its development, effective preventive measures haven’t yet been discovered.
However, ongoing research offers hope for the future. Especially as our understanding of the causes of endometriosis improves, there’s potential for medical breakthroughs that could enable targeted preventive strategies.
While prevention might not be possible you can still take steps against the impact of endometriosis, and seeking an early diagnosis is the best action you can take in managing and mitigating the condition effectively. However, the path to diagnosis can be challenging and frustrating, and despite seeking a diagnosis, countless women wait far too long for an official diagnosis, despite presenting with numerous endometriosis symptoms.
Now, that’s changing. EndoSure is a new diagnostic tool that allows for a rapid and precise diagnosis of endometriosis, allowing you to say for certain whether you have the condition or not, and secure vital peace of mind.
Accessible, non-invasive, and evidenced by research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, EndoSure provides same-day diagnosis with incredible accuracy using a method that’s similar to a common ECG.
You can learn more about EndoSure, and book a test with a clinic near you, today.
Accurate diagnosis, offered by EndoSure, allows for prompt initiation of treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life, and endometriosis treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and reduce the impact of the condition.
Treatment options include:
- Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications can help alleviate pelvic pain and discomfort associated with endometriosis.
- Hormonal therapies: Birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, and other hormone-based therapies can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
- Surgery: In cases where symptoms are severe or fertility is affected, surgery to remove endometrial implants and scar tissue (laparoscopic excision) may be recommended.