The tissue responds to hormones like normal endometrium, so it swells and bleeds each menstrual period. Because the bleeding occurs in an abnormal location, with nowhere to go, it can cause inflammation, formation of scar tissue, and develop into cysts, implants or growths. The most common symptom of endometriosis is pain before and during menstrual periods and at ovulation. For some women this can escalate into a month-long nightmare, which in turn may prevent them from carrying out normal activities of life. Other symptoms can include pain during or after sexual activity, heavy or irregular bleeding, fatigue, pain with bowel movements at the time of the period, as well as bladder problems.
Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility in women.
Dealing with the physical pain has been, and continues to be, difficult for me. The cause, factors contributing to endometriosis, and the natural history of the disease are not yet scientifically understood. There is no cure for endometriosis, but we know that early diagnosis and treatment may prevent the disease from spreading and causing problems later in life. The Endometriosis Association, set on finding the cause and cure, maintains the world's only large, ongoing research registry on the disease. Aware of the many immune system problems of those afflicted with endometriosis and knowing that US Air Force studies have now shown quite convincingly that radiation exposure of certain types and amounts leads to endometriosis in female rhesus monkeys, the Endometriosis Association set out in 1991 and early 1992 to track down a rumour that rhesus monkeys exposed to PCBs in scientific experiments developed severe endometriosis.