Endometriosis - Women's Health
Frequently Asked Questions» Endometriosis FAQs
What is Endometrios?
When a woman has her monthly period, she sheds the tissue lining the inside of the uterus (womb), called the ENDOMETRIUM.
This endometrium is usually confined to the inside of the womb, but occasionally bits of it are found growing in other parts of the body, usually around the ovaries and behind the uterus, but also rarely in places such as the belly button, lung or even in the brain. When endometrium is found in places other than the inside of the womb, it is called ENDOMETRIOSIS.
A related condition is ADENOMYOSIS, when endometrium invades into the muscle of the womb. When in the right place inside the uterus, the endometrium grows and expands in response to female hormones, in preparation for pregnancy. When pregnancy does not occur the endometrium is shed - what is called a period or menstruation. Although in the wrong place, endometriosis grows ad expands in response to female hormones. At the time of a period, however, it cannot be shed as it is in the wrong place, and it swells and expands, causing pain during the period, and in the long term the formation of scar tissue (adhesions).
When endometriosis occurs on an ovary it can cause a cyst. As bleeding occurs into an endometriotic cyst it enlarges. As the blood in an endometriotic cysts breaks down it becomes the colour and consistency of melted chocolate, that is why the cysts of endometriosis are often referred to as “chocolate cysts”.
If you have any queries regarding the topics raised within this article please do not hesistate to contact the Women's Health Clinic via the email form at the bottom of the page or by calling our London clinic on 020 8947 9877.
