Medications that shrink the size of the fibroid tumor are also a viable treatment for some women. Approximately 10 million women in the United States suffer from endometriosis. It can occur sporadically from the onset of menstruation until menopause. The endometrium is a specialized lining for the purpose of aiding in the implantation and nourishment of a developing embryo. Endometrial cells normally break apart and are shed through the uterus during the flow phase of the menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis occurs when misplaced endometrial cells occur outside the uterus.
For example, they may develop in inside or outside of the ovaries, in the fallopian tubes, in the bowel, in the urinary tract, or in the abdomen. Endometriosis cells also grow and bleed in response to FSH and estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle. However, these misplaced cells have no way to exit the body. The body responds to the trauma of bleeding endometriosis cells by surrounding the affected area with inflammation while attempting to absorb the cells into the bloodstream. When menstruation ends, inflammation subsides and adhesions and scar tissue are left.