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Endometriosis’ cause remains something of a medical mystery. There are a number of theories as to what causes this disease but a definitive diagnosis by medical researchers has yet to be found. It is estimated that there are over 70 million women worldwide who suffer from the symptoms of endometriosis making it a modern epidemic. One issue that seems to be hindering the search for an endometriosis cause is the inability of researchers to track it on a global scale. Understanding the relationships between the environmental, social and hereditary backgrounds of the women with endometriosis would seem to go a long way in determining a cause. Right now there are still only speculative theories when it comes to determining endometriosis’ cause. The more notable and medically sound theories include: Endometriosis Cause – Causes and Risk Factors • Retrograde Menstruation – Also known as the “Backflow” theory it was first formulated by Dr. John Sampson in 1921. This is kind of like a menstrual regurgitation in which some of the menstrual fluid is forced backwards into the fallopian tubes and into the abdominal cavity. While this does make a certain amount of sense, how else could endometrial cells get into the abdomen, there are a number of studies that seem to disprove this theory. Many women who experience this “Backflow” do not develop endometriosis. Dr. Sampson theory also fails to explain how many women exhibit endometrial cells in other parts of their body such as the lungs, skin, lymph nodes, and breasts. It also does not explain the rare cases when endometriosis is found in men. • Genetic heredity – In many cases endometriosis seems to run in families. This cause was first theorized back in 1943 and researchers continue to pursue this line of thought. It is known that women whose mother or sister has endometriosis are 6 time more likely to get the disease. • The theory of transplantation – This theory of endometriosis’ cause is based on delivery through the lymphatic and circulatory system. This would explain endometrial cells that find their way to other parts of the body. • Latrogenic transplantation – This idea has been largely disproven but it espoused the idea that endometriosis is spread through the body during surgery. This of course does nothing to explain endometriosis’ cause in women who have never had a surgery. • Coelomic metaplasia – This is the mutated cell theory. It is thought that certain types of cells can transform into a different type of cell when properly stimulated. In this case women undergoing estrogen replacement therapy or who have been exposed to environmental factors that increase estrogen levels (see Xenoestrogens below). This theory may help explain why in rare cases men have been diagnosed with endometriosis. • Xenoestrogens – An interesting thing about endometriosis is the fact that up until 100 or so years ago it was a rather uncommon medical disorder. Many people think its epidemic like increase is due to factors brought about by the industrial age we live in. Exposure too many of the industrial products such as synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and more importantly plastics has brought about a condition known as estrogen dominance. Estrogen is the primary “food” source for endometrial tissue and most treatment regimens work to lower estrogen levels in women with endometriosis. • Auto-immune dysfunctions – Women with healthy immune system seldom show signs of endometriosis. This is because a healthy immune system will seek out and destroy any endometrial tissue found outside of a woman’s uterus. It is thought that auto-immune diseases are not only genetically based but can also be triggered by environmental factors. When you consider that endometriosis’ cause is linked to heredity and Xenoestrogens it is easy to see why this theory has a solid foundation as being a likely cause. • Liver disorders – The liver is responsible for regulating and removing estrogen from a woman’s body. If this ability is impaired estrogen dominance begins to rear its ugly head. This can not only fuel endometriosis but can also lead to chronic fatigue and allergy symptoms that are common in endometriosis. In addition to the many theories around endometriosis’ cause there are also a number of risk factors that can make women more susceptible to endometriosis. These include: • Caffeine – Women who drink large amounts of caffeine can show an increase in estrogen of nearly 70%. • Fiber – Women who do not eat enough fiber also show estrogen increases. • High fat diet – Toxins (Xenoestrogens) accumulate in animal fat leading to estrogen dominance in women who ingest them. • Alcohol – Studies have shown that women who drink have a greater incidence of endometriosis. • Stress – Stress is just bad for anyone and can cause many imbalances in the body. Endometriosis Cause – Cures and Conclusions Right now there is no medically accepted cure for endometriosis. Until endometriosis’ cause is found this will probably remain true. Mitigating its growth and managing the symptoms is the accepted practice of dealing with this disease at this time. This can be done through a combination of prescription medications, surgery, diet and exercise. One thing is for certain, endometriosis’ cause does seem to be linked through environmental factors that have plagued our planet for quite some time. There are a number of theories as to the exact cause of endometriosis. To learn more about this disease and the treatment options please go here.
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