By Engrnewswire 
Endometriosis involves tissue growth in the pelvic organs and fallopian tubes. The implant tissue responds to the menstrual cycle’s hormonal changes, building up, breaking down, and bleeding each month. Here are some uncommon symptoms of endometriosis:
Pelvic Pain
Endometriosis causes pelvic pain through the following mechanisms:
- Menstrual cycle response
- Trapped blood
- Irritation and inflammation
- Scar tissue formation
- Nerve involvement
The misplaced tissue responds to monthly hormonal changes, causing it to thicken, break down, and bleed. This blood is in an enclosed space and becomes trapped. The internal bleeding and blood accumulation cause irritation and inflammation, leading to pain. In the ovaries, trapped blood can form cysts. The recurring inflammation leads to the formation of adhesions that bind organs together, causing further pain and dysfunction.
Scar tissue formation during pelvic pain is part of the body’s response to the ongoing irritation caused by endometriosis. The scar is tough and lacks the flexibility of normal tissue. When organs are fused by adhesions, their normal movement is impaired, leading to discomfort and pain. This pain may be constant or occur during specific activities, such as bowel movements.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and constipation are among the uncommon symptoms of endometriosis. Endometrial implants grow directly on the intestines, the outer walls of the uterus, or other organs in the abdomen. The implant tissue can cause inflammation and pain in the digestive tract. Inflammatory proteins irritate the intestinal wall, causing nausea, diarrhea, or constipation during the menstrual period. The repeated inflammation cycle and healing lead to the formation of scar tissue that binds intestinal loops or other organs together.
These adhesions distort bowel loops and impair normal movement and function. The irritation and inflammation affect the autonomic nervous system and pelvic nerves that control digestion, leading to altered gut motility. Lesions in certain areas, such as the rectal wall, apply pressure to the intestines, contributing to painful bowel movements and Constipation. Deep lesions are able to cause partial or complete bowel obstruction. Hormonal changes during menstruation affect gut motility and fluid balance, worsening symptoms such as bloating and changes in bowel habits.
Blood Between Cycles
Intermenstrual bleeding or spotting occurs due to the misplaced endometrial-like tissue behaving similarly to the uterine tissue. It ranges from light spotting to heavier, more frequent bleeding that occurs at varying times throughout the menstrual cycle. Small endometrial implants outside the uterus break down and bleed independently of the main menstrual flow.
Endometriosis is associated with hormonal imbalances, with estrogen being dominant over progesterone levels. The imbalance interferes with the normal shedding of the uterine lining, leading to inconsistent shedding and unpredictable bleeding episodes. Inflammation caused by the condition disrupts normal hormone receptor signaling and affects uterine contractions, leading to irregular bleeding patterns and spotting. Misplaced lesions may develop new blood vessels with increased blood flow, which can contribute to heavier periods and mid-cycle spotting.
Urinary Issues
Urinary issues during endometriosis result from inflammation and the physical presence of tissue on or near the bladder. Endometrial-like tissue growing on the bladder surface causes irritation and inflammation as it responds to hormonal changes. The inflammation leads to bladder spasms, creating a frequent and urgent need to urinate. Chronic inflammation irritates nerves connecting the brain and bladder, further contributing to urgency and frequency. The body’s healing process can form scar tissue that tethers the bladder to other organs, restricting its function. In severe cases, lesions obstruct the ureters, potentially impacting kidney health.
Extreme Fatigue
Endometriosis, being a chronic inflammatory condition, triggers the body’s immune system to constantly fight the misplaced endometrial tissue. Continuous immune response and inflammation consume a lot of energy, leading to systemic fatigue and draining the body’s reserves. Severe pain associated with endometriosis makes it difficult to achieve restorative sleep. Lack of quality sleep creates a cycle where pain leads to constant exhaustion by worsening fatigue. Hormonal fluctuations during endometriosis disrupt energy levels. Blood loss over time due to heavy menstrual bleeding causes iron deficiency anemia. With this condition, the body has fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen, causing low energy and constant tiredness.
Explore Uncommon Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis can lead to the formation of blood-filled cysts on the ovaries. The cysts enlarge and become tender and sensitive to the process of ovulation, which causes them to rupture painfully. Contact a reputable women’s health care company to learn more about their services.