Endometriosis Specialist

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease affecting nearly 6.3 million women and girls in the United States. In this condition, bodily tissue that generally grows inside the uterus starts growing on the outside of the uterus instead.

Many women may have no symptoms of endometriosis, and only find out about this condition when they experience difficulty getting pregnant. Symptoms of endometriosis may include:

• Painful intercourse
• Fatigue
• Gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, diarrhea, and nausea
• Heavy periods in addition to mid-cycle bleeding
• Infertility
• Pain in the abdomen, lower back, or pelvic area
• Painful menstrual cramps

If you experience any of the above symptoms, call our Richland Hills office at 817-590-8700 for an evaluation.

What causes endometriosis?

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown. However, research has arrived at many possible causes, although none thoroughly explain this condition. There appears to be a genetic component to endometriosis, in which women with close female relatives who have the condition are more likely to develop it.

Who is at risk of endometriosis?

There are a number of characteristics that place a woman at a higher risk of developing endometriosis. Risk factors include a female family member with the disorder, never giving birth, starting menstruation at an early age, entering menopause at a late age, having short menstrual cycles (e.g. less than 27 days), having a low body mass index, having higher estrogen levels, uterine abnormalities, alcohol consumption, and having a medical condition that affects the menstrual flow.

How is endometriosis treated?

After you are diagnosed with endometriosis, your doctor will work with you to determine a personalized treatment plan. In most cases, your doctor will try conservative treatments and leave surgery as a last option.

Over-the-counter pain relievers may help reduce the discomfort of painful menstrual cramps. Hormone therapy can help minimize endometrial tissue growth and prevent new tissue from implanting. As a last resort, your doctor may consider laparoscopic excision surgery to remove as much endometrial tissue as possible. Hysterectomy may be considered to remove the reproductive organs.