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Endometriosis Causes & Risks

Causes

Possible causes include:

  • Menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes and spills into the abdomen
  • Immune system may allow the tissue to implant and develop into endometriosis
  • Lymph system may carry endometrial cells from the uterus
  • Certain cells on abdominal organs turn into endometrial tissue

Hormones and growth factors cause the disease to progress.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of developing this condition. The following may be associated with endometriosis:

  • Family history, a mother or sister with endometriosis
  • Early onset of menstruation
  • Not having children—Pregnancy slows or stops the disease from progressing. The condition usually resolves at menopause . The symptoms may return with hormone replacement therapy .
  • Prolonged menstrual bleeding (more than 7-8 days)
  • Abnormal development of the uterus, with a blocked segment

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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