Endometriosis: why it occurs, how it threatens and can it be cured

What is endometriosis and why it occurs

Endometriosis is a disease in which the lining of the uterus begins to grow into the thickness of its muscle layer (also called adenomyosis). In addition, endometrioid foci (elements of the uterine mucosa) can appear on the ovaries (endometrioid cysts are formed) and fallopian tubes, on the cervix and in the vagina. Much less common, but still occurs, extragenital endometriosis, when tissue similar to the endometrium appears in the bladder, rectum and other organs.

To summarize, endometriosis is a systemic disease with local manifestations, which are characterized by the appearance of elements of the uterine mucosa in various organs, but most often in the genitals. According to statistics, the most common options are endometriotic ovarian cysts and adenomyosis.

Why does this disease occur? Until now, the mechanisms and causes of the development of endometriosis are not completely known. Almost 90% of women experience a retrograde (reverse) reflux during menstruation. However, not all endometrial fragments take root in atypical places. In healthy women, against a general background of hormonal balance, the immune system works easily – it quickly eliminates foreign elements. In endometriosis, unfavorable hormonal levels prevent the immune system from performing its task. There are several reasons for this imbalance.

One of the main ones is atypical inflammation caused by an inadequate immune response. The immune system, instead of eliminating the foci, only maintains a long and sluggish inflammation. The cells of the immune system begin to produce cytokines, prostaglandins, and other pro-inflammatory substances. However, the immune system cannot complete the inflammation and eliminate the focus.

Secondly, pathological vascular growth is characteristic of endometriosis. The endometrioid focus secretes growth factors and enzymes, providing itself with deep penetration and comfort for further growth, and pain for a woman.

The third factor is an increase in the synthesis of estrogens both in the ovaries and locally in the outbreak itself. It is estrogens that give the cells the command to further excess division. At the same time, fibroblasts are also activated, which produce collagen fibers, leading to the development of the adhesion process. And this aggravates reproductive disorders and increases the risk of infertility.

–