Unexplained infertility, miscarriages, and repeated failed IVF treatments are linked to many underlying issues, including endometriosis. The condition occurs when endometrial tissues that usually grow in the uterus in preparation for implantation grow elsewhere. While some cases have physical symptoms like pain, bleeding, and irregular periods, others are asymptomatic despite causing infertility. Here are the risk factors and how to prevent or manage them:
Menstrual Issues
Retrograde menstruation is one cause of endometriosis. It occurs when menstrual blood flows back into the pelvic cavity through the fallopian tube instead of out of the body. Menstrual blood contains the endometrial cells and tissues from the uterus lining. The cells can stick to the fallopian tubes, pelvic walls, and the surfaces of pelvic organs. Stuck endometrial cells may continue to grow, thicken, and bleed during menstrual cycles.
Starting menstruation at an early age, also known as early menarche, increases the risk of abnormal endometrial tissue growth. Other risk factors tied to menstrual issues include late menopause, heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, and short cycles. Late menopause can lead to cumulative menstrual cycles, raising the risk of retrograde flow and abnormal growth.
Cell Changes
Hormones and immune factors may transform peritoneal cells that grow inside the abdomen into cells similar to those growing inside the uterus. Such transformations cause the peritoneal cells to grow, thicken, and shed like endometrial cells, resulting in blockages, inflammation, and irregular bleeding. Estrogen and other reproductive hormones can also transform embryonic cells into endometrial-like growths during puberty. Embryonic cells are the cells in the earliest stages of development.
Prolonged exposure to estrogen through hormone therapies may increase the risk of embryonic cell changes. Nulliparity, or never having given birth,h also increases estrogen levels due to regular menstruation. Pregnancy usually interrupts the cycle, suppressing estrogen levels for several months. Blood vessels and tissue fluid systems can also transport endometrial cells to other parts of the body. The changes in the peritoneal and embryonic cells cause them to behave like endometrial tissues, growing and shedding during every cycle. When they occur in abnormal areas, they can block sperm, ovaries, and fertilization, leading to infertility.
Reproductive Tract Abnormalities
Structural issues and abnormalities in your uterus and reproductive organs can lead to retrograde menstruation. Reproductive tract abnormalities range from narrow or blocked cervix to uterine septum and fallopian tube defects. Such structural issues can disrupt the normal menstrual blood flow, increasing the likelihood of retrograde menstruation.
They may also create curves, barriers, and pockets in the pelvic region, promoting the buildup, implantation, and growth of endometrial tissues. Other structural issues linked to abnormal endometrial cell growth include surgical scar complications and congenital conditions like Mullerian anomalies. Endometrial cells can attach to scar tissue formed from surgical procedures like C-sections. Congenital conditions require early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of complications.
BMI and Immune Issues
Low body mass index (BMI) increases the risk of hormonal imbalances due to low body fat. Your body needs fat to regulate estrogen production. If you don’t have enough fat, the circulating estrogen levels relative to the fat may be higher. Such hormonal environments promote the growth of endometrial tissues outside your uterus. Low BMI also stems from underlying medical conditions and dietary deficiencies that weaken your immune system.
Immune system dysregulation allows endometrial-like tissues to grow outside your uterus. A strong immune system usually clears misplaced endometrial cells that migrate to the pelvic cavity and other areas. If the system is weakened, the abnormal cells may evade detection and elimination, resulting in implantation, growth, and shedding. Autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammation, and infections can also exacerbate the condition and its symptoms.
Get a Diagnosis and Treatment for Endometriosis
Abnormal endometrial growth may cause unpleasant symptoms, infertility, and psychological issues. A BCL6 test may be recommended to check for markers of uterine inflammation and other symptoms of abnormal growth. Schedule your test today to learn more about endometriosis diagnosis and treatment.
