Ask a doctor - What causes endometriosis?

Q. What causes endometriosis?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This extra tissue can cause a variety of painful symptoms, depending on its location in the body.

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but there are several theories about what might trigger it. One theory suggests that some endometrial cells are able to move through a woman's reproductive tract and implant themselves outside her uterus – most commonly on other organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and bowel. Another possibility is that retrograde menstruation (when menstrual blood flows back up through the fallopian tubes) may be responsible for endometrial cells becoming lodged in other areas.

Hormonal factors have also been linked to endometriosis – especially high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone (a hormone important for regulating your menstrual cycle). It has been suggested that these hormones could stimulate endometrium cells to grow in abnormal locations outside your uterus, leading to irritation and inflammation.

Immune system dysfunction has also been linked with increased risk for developing endometriosis; this could include increased production or activity of antibodies which attack healthy tissues within your female reproductive system or an inability to recognize foreign bodies like bacteria inside your reproductive tract.
Genetics may also contribute to an increase risk - women whose relatives have had endometriosis are more likely than average to develop it themselves as well as having more severe symptoms than normal if they do develop it .

In conclusion, although researchers haven’t identified one single cause behind all cases Endometriosis ,multiple combination factors can lead women who suffer from this condition including genetic predispositions ,immune system abnormalities, hormonal imbalances ,or even some environmental pollutants..