Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that resembles the uterine lining develops in other parts of the body. The uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and vagina make up the female reproductive system. The ovaries produce hormones throughout a typical menstrual cycle that instruct the uterine lining to thicken. The inner mucous membrane of the uterus, known as the endometrium, is responsible for this. As the endometrium prepares to receive a fertilized egg, it grows. Menstruation, or the shedding of the lining, results if the egg is never fertilized.
The lining tissue for those who have endometriosis grows outside of the uterus. Every menstrual cycle, the misplaced tissue reacts to hormones by thickening and shedding, but because it is outside of the uterus, it cannot exit the body through the vagina. Endometrial flow becomes stuck, causing irritation and pain. Adhesions, or scar tissue, can develop and adhere to different organs. The fallopian tubes may even close as a result, which is a risky endometriosis symptom because it can result in infertility.
Endometrioma, also known as dark, reddish-brown cysts or fluid-filled sacks on the ovaries that impact fertility, is another unsettling endometriosis symptom. Unusual bleeding may also be a symptom of endometriosis.
20 to 30 percent of women who are unable to conceive are thought to have endometriosis, and 40 to 60 percent of women who have extremely painful periods are also thought to have this condition. Knowing the typical endometriosis symptoms and listening to your body might be useful.
Signs of endometriosis
It's crucial to understand the endometriosis symptoms because it's estimated that 2 to 50% of women have "silent" endometriosis, which manifests as either mild symptoms or no clinical symptoms at all. Endometrial tissue, or implants, can develop in the wall of a fallopian tube or outside the womb.
The "Pouch of Douglas," which is located between the womb and the rectum at the end of the colon, the ovaries, and the connective tissue in this region are frequently impacted by the disease. Women only face fertility issues when their ovaries or fallopian tubes are harmed.
Typical signs of endometriosis include:
Painful periods and intercourse
Increased gastrointestinal discomfort
Discomfort when urinating
Heavy bleeding
Bleeding between cycles and spotting
Constipation and nausea
Persistent abdomen and lower back pain
Pelvic pain
Infertility
Joint pain
Constant fatigue and bloating
Endometriosis Causes and Effects
Endometriosis's specific mechanism of development is unknown. Numerous theories have been put up by scientists, including genetics, the implantation of surgical scars, the transformation of peritoneal or embryonic cells, the movement of endometrial cells, and retrograde menstruation. When menstrual blood enters the pelvic cavity through the fallopian tubes backward, it is known as retrograde menstruation.
Immune system dysfunction is a different potential factor. The immune system of a woman may prevent her body from identifying and eliminating endometrial tissue that is developing outside of the uterus.
Several things could cause endometriosis, even if its cause is unclear. These elements consist of toxins, bacteria, hormones, blood sugar, and hormonal abnormalities. Improving endometriosis requires addressing these issues.
Persistent inflammation
Inflammation is a common way to describe endometriosis. Inflammation is the body's immunological response to endometriosis, and estrogen proliferation encourages inflammation.
Women with endometriosis have inflammatory cytokines and mediators in their peritoneal fluid. Your immune system produces tiny proteins called cytokines that function as chemical messengers. By promoting cell-to-cell communication and inducing the flow of cells toward the sites of infection, trauma, and inflammation, these cytokines control the immune response. In women with endometriosis, researchers have discovered abnormalities in these cytokines. Endometriosis develops as a result of pro-inflammatory cytokines called interleukin-1 (IL-1). According to studies, endometrial cells and peritoneal fluid from endometriosis-affected women have much higher levels of IL-1.
The cytokine IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) has anti-inflammatory properties. A natural regulator of IL-1 is IL-1RA. Women with endometriosis have decreased levels of this inhibitory cytokine. The imbalance between IL-1 and IL-1RA may be a factor in the endometriosis' unchecked proliferation.
Imbalances in hormones
Estrogen is necessary for endometriosis. Endometriosis depends heavily on estrogen for both its onset and maintenance.
Endometriosis can be brought on by hormonal abnormalities like estrogen dominance. Endometriosis has been reported to be regulated by and promoted by estradiol (E2). Higher estrogen levels in your body might also be caused by low progesterone levels.
Imbalanced Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar imbalances can aggravate endometriosis. Insulin is released after consuming foods high in sugar or processed carbs. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin levels are decreased during insulin spikes (SHBG). Extra estrogen and testosterone in the blood can be bound by SHBG.
Estrogen and testosterone levels rise when SHBG levels are low as a result of insulin surges. Additionally, insulin boosts the synthesis of the hormone testosterone, which belly fat then uses to produce even more estrogen. Endometriosis spreads more quickly when estrogen levels are higher. Stress on the body from blood sugar irregularities results in the release of cortisol and adrenaline. Pregnenolone hormone is used to make cortisol and progesterone. Progesterone synthesis decreases when the body requires cortisol. As a result, estrogen levels rise, which may help explain why endometriosis occurs.
Bacterial Load is High
For endometriosis, a novel idea is known as the "bacterial contamination hypothesis" has just been put out. This theory is supported by the discovery that the bacterial toxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and gram-negative bacteria are highly present in the pelvis of women with endometriosis. A powerful endotoxin that induces inflammation is LPS.
Toxins overload
Endocrine disrupting substances include dioxins, insecticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and phthalates (EDCs). Your hormones are severely affected by exposure to these poisons, which also help to cause endometriosis.
Xenoestrogens are chemical substances that were produced artificially and interact with cellular receptor sites to imitate the actions of estrogen. Excess estrogen is caused by xenoestrogens, which accumulate in fat cells where they are resistant to being broken down. When xenoestrogens are combined with additional EDCs, this effect is amplified, resulting in signs of estrogen dominance.
Gut dysbiosis
Since endometriosis frequently has gut dysbiosis and since inflammation and hormone imbalance are linked to infertility in endometriosis, concentrating on restoring the health of your gut microbiome may help you find the source of the issue. Interventions to enhance gut health and promote conception may consist:
Reducing gut inflammation with a nutritious, balanced diet
Balancing the microbiota and removing harmful microorganisms
Improving nutrition absorption with Supplements
Stress
Another significant element that affects infertility and endometriosis is stress. Although attempting to reverse infertility can be difficult, it's crucial for the body to be in a low-stress condition for ovulation and conception to take place. Your body must appear to your nervous system as a secure habitat for the development of new life.
Scientific research has shown that engaging in stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises might help, particularly during trying times.
Dysfunction of the pelvic floor
Investigating pelvic floor dysfunction is another area to look at when dealing with endo and infertility. Around 90% of women with endometriosis probably also have some sort of pelvic floor dysfunction, when the pelvic floor muscles become excessively weak, too powerful, or uncoordinated.
Bowel and bladder problems are brought on by pelvic floor dysfunction, which can also affect sexual function. Exercise to bolster pelvic floor muscles is important to start doing whether you're treating infertility due to endometriosis naturally or via more traditional medical methods. According to a Harvard Medical School study, Japanese-style acupuncture may be an efficient, secure, and well-tolerated adjuvant therapy for pelvic discomfort brought on by endometriosis. 18 young women with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis-related chronic pelvic discomfort, ranging in age from 12 to 22, were examined for the study. After four weeks, participants in the active acupuncture group reported 62 percent less pain on average than those in the control group.
RESOURCES:
https://www.nature.com/nrneurol/
2022. NP. Malika Katrouche. All Rights Reserved.
