There is great speculation and many theories as to the cause of endometriosis, but as yet no-one really knows why the disease develops.
These are the most popular theories to the cause of endometriosis
Some researchers feel that endometriosis could be triggered by genetics. The idea behind this theory that the cells that develop in the foetus are displaced. These cells then begin to grow during puberty. It appears that those women with a close relative with endometriosis are up to nine times more likely to develop the disease and this would explain why endometriosis tends to run in families.
This is a very popular theory for the progression of endometriosis. Many women, not just those who have endometriosis, are oestrogen dominant today. This is caused by the excess oestrogen in the environment which is found in the food chain and by xeno-oestrogens found in chemicals.
Another strong factor for the increase of oestrogen in the environment is through the increased use of the birth control pill (BCP).
When women are on the BCP they are ingesting hormones into their system including oestrogen. Not all these hormones stay in the body and are excreted in urine.
This then goes into the water treatment systems and in turn is then re-distributed back the domestic water system. This includes drinking water, and even though it is purified, there will still be trace elements of oestrogen that are unfiltered.
It is not possible to remove all chemicals and toxins during the purification process. This excess of oestrogen in the environment is thought to encourage the development of endometriosis.
This basically means cells changing from their normal cell structure into an abnormal cell structure according to their environment ans external influences.
This is one of the ideas behind the development of cancer cells developing. The metaplasia theory suggests that the cells in the body can change structure and function to become endometrial cells when they are influenced by certain conditions.
For example, metaplasia can be triggered by puberty and the surge of oestrogen or by being exposed to xeno-estrogens.
This theory is the one that is supported the most by the clinical profession. It was a concept proposed by Dr Sampson more than 90 years ago. Dr Sampson, a gynaecologist, studied the disease systematically and in 1921 proposed that endometriosis was a result of 'retrograde menstruation'.
This is also know as 'transplantation theory', which proposes that endometriosis is due to endometrial tissue abnormally flowing up the fallopian tubes in the blood and into the abdomen.
Retrograde menstruation occurs in many women and this is cleared up by the immune system. However, it appears that the immune system does not function properly in some women and these strays cells are not moped up by the immune system.
The use of tampons has been linked to this theory as they can interfere with the natural flow of blood from the body.
It is known that parts of the endometrial tissue can be carried to other parts of the body by the lymph or blood circulation system. This does not account for how why the endometrial tissue exists in the first place but does explain how it can be found in other parts of the body - like the lungs, and even on very rare occasions in the eye.
The preference these days to delay motherhood could be one cause for the progression of endometriosis and the increase in the numbers of women who have it.
Hormones produced during pregnancy and breast-feeding have a protective effect on the womb and temporarily stop menstruation. This in turn reduces the frequency of periods in a woman's life.
If childbearing is delayed, plus the combination of puberty starting earlier and earlier in puberty these days, the frequency of menstruation is increasing.
Weakened immune system
A weakened immune system can have significant impact. It has not been proven, but nearly every woman with endometriosis has an impaired immune system and this is why so many women and girls suffer additional health problems along with endometriosis.
The immune system sees endometriosis as a threat to the body and reacts by stimulating an inflammatory reaction as a means of protection. This is the same reaction you would see if you were stung, damaged yourself by injury, or your body was reacting to a local infection.
Because endometriosis is ever present, then the body thinks it is continuously 'under attack' and the immune system can become overworked and weakened.
Read about the immune system and how it actually works to protect your body HERE
So there are various theories to the cause of endometriosis. Each one appears plausible, but as this disease is such a mystery then it could be that no one particular cause is to blame. It could be a combination of factors in a woman's body and her environment that have lead to her developing the disease.
For successful treatment to take place then all the factors in a woman's life need to be addressed to help combat endometriosis, and not to just look at one issue like high levels of oestrogen or having a close relative that has suffered the disease.
Read about the possible link between dioxins and endometriosis HERE
Find out about endometriosis in history HERE
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