Endometriosis is an often painful condition in which the endometrial tissue grows in other body parts like ovaries and fallopian tubes. The condition might occur without obvious painful symptoms, potentially being diagnosed as silent endometriosis. Here are the signs and symptoms of both forms of endometriosis:
What Are the Signs of Endometriosis?
Endometriosis may occur on or around female reproductive organs like ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the pelvic cavity lining. Women with endometriosis may experience uncomfortable symptoms that can impact their daily lives. Here are common symptoms:
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Lower back pain
- Excessive bleeding
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Pain with urination or bowel movements during one’s menstrual period
- Pain during or after sex
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fatigue
- Infertility
Some women don’t realize they have endometriosis as it doesn’t always manifest through these symptoms. They may have silent endometriosis, which is one of the leading causes of unexplained infertility.
What Are the Signs of Silent Endometriosis?
A doctor may look for silent endometriosis if one experiences recurring failed implantations or if one can’t carry a pregnancy to term. This condition impacts the uterine wall lining, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant properly or grow in the uterus. A specialist may look for the following signs:
Abnormal Hormone Levels
A specialist may conduct blood tests to check for estrogen and progesterone level abnormalities since endometriosis may cause hormonal changes. The growth of the endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity may disrupt hormone signaling, causing estrogen dominance and progesterone resistance. Women with endometriosis may show a high estrogen level and low progesterone level in their blood tests.
Ovarian Cysts
Endometriosis may cause endometriomas — blood-filled cysts in the ovary. These cysts may impact egg quantity and quality, resulting in persistent fertility problems. A specialist may check for ovarian cysts to determine if a patient has endometriosis.
Other Chronic Illnesses
Women with endometriosis have an increased risk of developing conditions like fibromyalgia, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. A doctor may actively look for endometriosis in women diagnosed with such conditions that are facing fertility problems.
How Will a Doctor Diagnose Endometriosis?
A doctor may conduct a pelvic exam, imaging tests, laparoscopy, or biopsy if they suspect their patient has endometriosis.
Pelvic Exam
In a pelvic exam, a specialist will manually feel a woman’s pelvic region for abnormalities resulting from endometriosis, like cysts. They may recommend additional tests if they feel the cysts.
Imaging Tests
A specialist may perform imaging tests like ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to get images of the inside of a patient’s body. The tests may help identify the size and location of endometriomas.
Laparoscopy
This test involves making an incision near one’s navel and inserting a piece of slender viewing equipment to look for endometrial tissue growth outside the uterus. It may give a doctor a more detailed image of the location and extent of the endometriomas and scarring.
Biopsy
A biopsy occurs when a specialist takes a tissue sample during laparoscopy for further diagnosis.
What Are the Treatment Options for Endometriosis?
While there’s no lasting treatment for endometriosis, specialists may manage the condition through hormone therapy or laparoscopic surgery. A specialist may recommend either treatment option after assessing the extent of a patient’s endometriosis and their fertility goals.
Hormone therapy options include Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists and antagonists, aromatase inhibitors, progestin therapy, and hormonal contraceptives. Gn-RH agonists and antagonists may cause the endometrial tissue to shrink by blocking the production of ovarian-stimulating hormones. Aromatase inhibitors may reduce estrogen levels in one’s body, potentially helping to make endometriosis more manageable.
Progestin therapy may stop menstrual periods and prevent the growth of endometrial implants, relieving the signs and symptoms of endometriosis. Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills may also make endometriosis more manageable by controlling hormone levels. These hormone therapy treatments may be suitable for people with mild endometriosis or those who aren’t actively trying to become pregnant.
See Medical Help To Manage Endometriosis
Silent endometriosis may not manifest the same symptoms as endometriosis, but it is still an issue that should be addressed as early as possible. A specialist may check for silent endometriosis if a patient experiences repeated implantation failures or pregnancy losses. Seek the help of a medical professional to learn the best steps to manage your endometriosis today.
