Unusual indications of endometriosis: a look at seven lesser-known signs
Endometriosis is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects many females of reproductive age. This chronic condition occurs when cells that line the uterus grow outside of the uterus in other parts of the body, causing a range of symptoms that can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
One less recognized symptom of endometriosis is fatigue, which can cause major distress and negatively affect daily activities.
Endometriosis can also present with symptoms beyond pelvic pain and painful periods. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common, with bowel involvement seen in 5-12% of women. People with endometriosis are more likely to report abdominal pain than those without the condition, and may experience symptoms such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, colic rectal pain, and difficulty passing stools.
Another lesser-known symptom is urinary symptoms. People with endometriosis may experience difficulty passing urine, a feeling as though the bladder is still full after urination, having to urinate again within minutes of urinating, and feeling pain when the bladder is full. In some cases, painful urination - or dysuria - and blood in a person's urine during menstruation - known as cyclical menstrual hematuria - can be signs of bladder endometriosis.
Painful intercourse - or dyspareunia - is another potential symptom of endometriosis, with deep dyspareunia affecting about half of people with the condition.
Endometriosis can mimic other conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cysts, inflammatory bowel disease, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic urinary inflammation, adenomyosis, fibroids, and cervical stenosis.
Several conditions share symptoms similar to endometriosis. Adenomyosis, for instance, involves the growth of endometrial-like tissue within the uterine muscle wall, making the uterus swollen or bulky. Its symptoms overlap significantly with endometriosis, including heavy periods, prolonged bleeding, pelvic and back pain, painful intercourse, bloating, fatigue, and fertility issues. Uterine fibroids, though benign tumors and not endometrial tissue, can cause pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, heavy bleeding, and painful intercourse.
Certain gastrointestinal disorders, such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), can also cause symptoms similar to endometriosis, including abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, and bowel issues. Around 20% of people with endometriosis have symptoms resembling IBS or SIBO, suggesting overlapping pathophysiology involving gut inflammation and dysbiosis.
Diagnosis of endometriosis can be challenging due to its wide range of symptoms and potential to mimic other conditions. Keeping a log of symptoms may be beneficial for healthcare professionals to better understand the health concern and provide appropriate treatments. If you are experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, especially if those symptoms significantly impact your life, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. A healthcare professional usually performs a physical exam of the abdomen and vagina and may do further tests, such as an ultrasound or laparoscopy, to help diagnose the condition.
[1] Adenomyosis. (2021). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adenomyosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354720 [2] Endometriosis. (2021). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354343 [3] Uterine Fibroids. (2021). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354913 [4] Endometriosis and Other Conditions. (2021). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/related-conditions/syc-20354363 [5] Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). (2021). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/small-intestinal-bacterial-overgrowth/symptoms-causes/syc-20377424
- Endometriosis is a type of chronic disease often overlooked in women's health, similar to atopic dermatitis, asthma, and multiple sclerosis.
- Chronic diseases like diabetes, migraines, and Crohn's disease share symptoms with endometriosis, which can make diagnosis difficult without proper medical attention.
- Endometriosis, just like other chronic diseases, can impact a person's health-and-wellness significantly, causing fatigue, pain, and affecting daily activities.
- In some cases, the symptoms of endometriosis may resemble those of cancer, requiring more extensive medical-conditions evaluations for accurate diagnoses.
- A predictive science of health and wellness may be able to help identify and diagnose endometriosis based on its symptoms and potential overlaps with other diseases.
- The symptoms of endometriosis can be managed through various treatments, including medications for pain relief and hormone therapy to slow down the growth of the ectopic endometrial tissue.
- Surgery, such as laparoscopy, can be performed to remove the affected tissue and alleviate symptoms, similar to treatments for psoriasis and HIV.
- Women experiencing breast pain, pelvic pain, or other symptoms associated with endometriosis should consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Women struggling with endometriosis may also face fertility issues, just like those with ovarian cysts or cervical stenosis.
- In addition to endometriosis, other chronic conditions like interstitial cystitis and irritable bowel syndrome can cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms, requiring careful medical-conditions evaluation.
- By understanding the symptoms, causes, and potential overlaps of endometriosis with other chronic diseases, healthcare professionals can work together to provide effective and targeted treatments for their patients.
