ENDOMETRIOSIS – INTRODUCTION

Why tissues from the womb should sometimes be found elsewhere in the body is a puzzle called endometriosis.

The endometrium is the layer of cells which forms the lining of the uterus or womb. It is this layer which is under hormone control and builds up and becomes thick and spongy, ready to receive the fertilised egg should conception occur.

If it doesn’t this layer of tissue is shed, along with a certain amount of bleeding, and is the menstrual flow which constitutes a woman’s period.

In endometriosis, some of this endometrial tissue is found in other areas. It may be present deep in the muscle layers of the womb itself, in the ovary in the ligaments which hold the womb in place or on any of the abdominal organs. Why this tissue should be present in an unusual position is uncertain.

The problem with this condition is that the ectopic, or “out of place” cells react in the same way to the hormonal changes as the cells in their proper place. They build up, increase their blood supply and then shrivel up and bleeding occurs at the time of the period.

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