Endometriosis symptoms afflict approximately 7 million American women. The signs symptoms of endometriosis are one of the most painful conditions a woman will ever have to deal with.

Endometriosis is defined as the abnormal growth of endometrial cells that become scattered in areas where they do not belong. Endometriosis islets can grow in the fallopian tubes, within uterine musculature or outer surface of the uterus, the ovaries, pelvic organs, colon, bladder, the sides of the pelvic cavity and even the lungs. With the menstrual period begins, the islets become larger with blood and the problem is that there is no place for the blood to go except into the tissues in the surrounding areas. The result is inflammation and often much pain. The occurrence of endometriosis symptoms is on the increase in the industrialized countries.

Here are the common endometriosis symptoms:

1. Pain - abdominal pain and cramping. And these endometriosis symptoms may be severe in a woman with mild endometriosis and may hardly occur in women with widespread endometriosis. The pain and cramping can be debilitating.

2. Inflammation - during the early part of the menstrual cycle, the endometrial tissue becomes filled with blood. When menstruation occurs, this tissue also gives off blood, but it cannot go anywhere. This blood accumulation causes inflammation that in the abdominal and pelvic tissue becomes very painful.

3. Painful sexual intercourse - endometrial tissue creates pressure in the lower pelvis or prevents the free movement of the pelvic organs.

4. PMS in the days before and during the menstrual period.

5. Rectal bleeding - also painful bowel movements can occur.

6. Chronic fatigue - pain, bleeding and cramping can be exhausting for the woman, making it difficult or impossible to function normally.

7. Infertility and miscarriage - the more widespread the endometriosis, the more likely the woman will have fertility and miscarriage problems.

Some women have endometriosis but without having any symptoms. Other women may experience symptoms but have little endometriosis. While the causes of endometriosis symptoms are not really understood, excess estrogen levels in women may be one of the factors. Endometriosis seems to be a disease of the industrialized countries, and hormone imbalance is likely one of the causes.

Women diagnosed with the signs symptoms of endometriosis are frequently encouraged to have a hysterectomy. There are some conditions for which hysterectomy may be needed, especially if malignant cancer is involved. Otherwise, remember that hysterectomies are a permanent surgical procedure with numerous undesirable side effects.

If you have endometriosis symptoms, learn more about the natural approach recommended by naturopathic physicians without resorting to drastic measures such as hysterectomy. Read all you can about hormone imbalance, excess estrogen consequences and the role of natural progesterone in treating endometriosis symptoms and related women's health problems.

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