Endometriosis Stages

Seven million women in the United Stated between the ages of twenty and fifty are affected by endometriosis. Endometriosis is a very painful, life-altering condition that comes in all ranges. Some women experience mild pain while other experience moderate to very severe pain on a day to day basis.

Endometriosis Defined
Endometriosis can be defined as the abnormal growth of cells, called endometrial cells, that then spread to different areas of the body. Endometriosis is most commonly found in the lining of the uterus. Endometriosis tissues grow within the uterine musculature, the fallopian tubes, or the outer surface of the uterus. They can then attach to the colon, the bladder, the intestine, the sides of the pelvis cavity, and other surrounding organs and tissues.

During menstruation these abnormal tissues become enlarged with blood. The blood is trapped so it transfers to other tissues surrounding the cells. Inflammation and pain result from this transfer and growth. Women with endometriosis often experience heavy, irregular menstruation cycles with painful cramping. Because endometriosis is often found in the uterine lining, many women have fertility problems, which leaves many unable to conceive. Kidney problems, lower back pain, and sharp pains often are experienced because of endometriosis. Endometriosis implants can hinder organ function and can create other health issues.

Endometriosis Causes
The causes of endometriosis are not yet one hundred percent known. One known factor is the excess levels of estrogen in the female body. There are three different hormones in estrogen and when combined at particular levels, can cause endometriosis. Because of this it can be said that endometriosis is a hormonal imbalance.

Women can be diagnosed with endometriosis through laparoscopic procedures with an incision in the abdomen. Because endometriosis is difficult to diagnose and is often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome, many women are improperly diagnosed. A laparoscopic procedure is the only way to identify this illness. Women experiencing pain that can be associated with endometriosis should consult a physician as soon as possible.

Endometriosis can sometimes be treated with natural progesterone therapy, which produces heightened levels of the estrogens hormones that cause endometriosis. Higher levels of estrogen can halt the formation of abnormal tissues. Natural progesterone is not a permanent cure for endometriosis, but it can help.

The Stages of Endometriosis
Endometriosis has four stages. They can begin small and then can escalade over time. Stage one is where the endometrial implants attach to the pelvic cavity. In this stage it is only a few implants. In stage two there are mild to moderate levels of endometrial implants that can affect one or both of a woman's ovaries.

Stage three is where moderate levels of endometriosis implants attach to many different reproductive areas. If the ovaries have not yet been affect previously, they will mostly likely be affected in this stage. In stage four of endometriosis, the endometriosis implants will spread heavily throughout the pelvic area. This is the most severe stage and can cause infertility. When endometriosis has advances to stage four, a woman's health will often be in danger as the organs in the lower half of the body will be affected.