According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis affects about 190 million women of reproductive age worldwide. That's a staggering number, especially for a disease that causes severe pain, infertility, and damage to surrounding organs.
Although most women consider abdominal pain and severe bleeding signs of endometriosis, other symptoms could signal the disease as well.
Dr. Darin L. Weyhrich provides diagnostic testing and treatments for endometriosis at his office in Boise, Idaho. Dr. Weyhrich is a compassionate and experienced OB/GYN providing the care you need for an endometriosis diagnosis.
Endometriosis is a female health disorder in which endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus. The foreign tissue responds to hormonal changes like endometrium, causing pain and excess bleeding during menses.
The foreign endometrial tissue typically grows outside the uterus but can invade other areas, including the following:
Most people associate endometriosis with pain, which is a prevalent symptom — but that's not the only one. Painful menstrual cramps, pain during sex, and abnormal bleeding are all other signs of endometriosis.
Many people with endometriosis also develop infertility when it involves the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Adhesions prevent the eggs and sperm from moving freely and may affect egg quality.
Pain and abnormal bleeding are only small pieces of the endometriosis puzzle. If you suspect the condition, it's essential to know about the less common signs of endometriosis. The following seven symptoms of endometriosis may surprise you and include:
Endometriosis often involves hormonal imbalances, which can lead to worsening acne. If you notice severe acne worsening around the time of your period, along with other symptoms, you could be dealing with endometriosis.
Chronic fatigue is another unexpected symptom of endometriosis. The body constantly fights inflammation caused by endometriosis, which depletes energy from cells and causes persistent fatigue.
In rare cases, endometrial-like tissue grows on the bladder, which causes cyclical menstrual hematuria or blood in the urine during menstruation. It’s uncommon but could be a sign if you have other symptoms of endometriosis.
Endometriosis sometimes affects the bowels, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and nausea or diarrhea. According to the National Library of Medicine, 60% of women with endometriosis report chronic pelvic pain with other symptoms.
Renal endometriosis occurs when the tissue grows on the ureters and kidneys, which causes flank pain. Renal and ureteral endometriosis are uncommon but cause pain around the sides when it occurs.
Thoracic endometriosis happens when endometrial tissues grow outside the abdomen and affect the chest. Women with thoracic endometriosis report symptoms like chest pain and coughing up blood.
Nerve pain is an extremely surprising symptom that affects women with endometriosis. The chronic inflammation irritates the nerves and leads to numbness and tingling. Women who undergo endometrial surgery or ablation are also at risk for neuropathic pain.
If you suspect endometriosis, it's crucial to seek treatment immediately. Call our office in Boise, Idaho, today or book an appointment online to see Darin L. Wehyrich, MD.
