Endometriosis is growth of endometrial tissue at sites other than the uterine cavity. Internal endometriosis is where this ectopic endometrium is within the uterine wall, and when it is elsewhere in the body it is called  external endometriosis. The unqualified expression of “endometriosis” refers to the external variety.

Maximum incidences are found in women between the age of 30-40 years of age. Spontaneous remission occurs after menopause, probably because of the withdrawal of ovarian stimulation. Pregnancy protects from endometriosis. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is common. It may start a few days before menses is to appear. Dysparunia is a common symptom. Increased frequency or irregular menses is common when the ovaries are involved.

SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. Although many experience cramping during their menstrual periods, those with endometriosis typically describe menstrual pain that is far worse than usual. Pain also may increase over time.

Common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)-Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period. one may also have lower back and abdominal pain.
• Pain with intercourse- Pain during or after sex is common with endometriosis.
• Pain with bowel movements or urination-These symptoms is more experienmced during a menstrual period.
• Excessive bleeding. One may experience occasional heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding).
• Infertility. Sometimes, endometriosis is first diagnosed in those seeking treatment for infertility.
• Other signs and symptoms. One may experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.

CAUSES OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Although the exact cause of endometriosis is not certain, possible explanations include:

• Retrograde menstruation-In retrograde menstruation, menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body. These endometrial cells stick to the pelvic walls and surfaces of pelvic organs, where they grow and continue to thicken and bleed over the course of each menstrual cycle.
• Transformation of peritoneal cells- In what is known as the "induction theory," experts propose that hormones or immune factors promote transformation of peritoneal cells that line the inner side of our abdomen into endometrial-like cells.
• Embryonic cell transformation-Hormones such as estrogen may transform embryonic cells in the earliest stages of development — into endometrial-like cell implants during puberty.
• Surgical scar implantation-After a surgery, such as a hysterectomy or C-section, endometrial cells may attach to a surgical incision.
• Endometrial cell transport-The blood vessels or tissue fluid (lymphatic) system may transport endometrial cells to other parts of the body.
• Immune system disorder- A problem with the immune system may make the body unable to recognize and destroy endometrial-like tissue that's growing outside the uterus.

RISK FACTOR OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Several factors place you at greater risk of developing endometriosis, such as:

• Never giving birth
• Starting our period at an early age
• Going through menopause at an older age
• Short menstrual cycles for instance, less than 27 days
• Heavy menstrual periods that last longer than seven days
• Having higher levels of estrogen in your body or a greater lifetime exposure to estrogen your body produces
• Low body mass index
• One or more relatives (mother, aunt or sister) with endometriosis
• Any medical condition that prevents the normal passage of menstrual flow out of the body
• Reproductive tract abnormalities

COMPLICATION OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

• Impaired Infertility
• Fertilization and implantation
• Impaired fertility
• Cancer
• Ovarian cancer

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

IODUM - There is great weakness during menses.Useful when menses are irregular, brown in colour and renewed after every stool.There is Wedge- like pain from ovary to uterus.Useful Right ovarian area is greatly sensitive after menses. Ovaritis.

PALLADIUM-Usefull for right ovaries.There is pain in the right ovary, better by pressure.Useful for Subacute pelvic peritonitis with menorrhagia, uterine prolapse with bretroversion.There is cutting pains in the uterus, relieved after stool.There is shooting and burning pains in the pelvic with bearing down pains, better by rubbing.There is soreness and shooting pains from the navel to the breast.Useful for glairy,yellow leucorrhoea, before and after menses.

SABINA - Usefull for the chronic ailments of women.There is arthritic pains with tendency to miscarriage and gouty diathesis.Given to those women having haemorrhagic tendency and nosebleeds.There is tendency to miscarriage, especially at the third month.Useful for dysmenorrhoea, better lying down flat on the bed, with limbs extended. There is too profuse, hot, of dark clots mixed with bright blood. Given when uterine pains extend into the thighs.There is increase desire of sex with shooting pains in the vagina.Also there is discharge of blood between periods.

SECALE COR - Usefull for Weak uterus or bearing down pains with coldness.There is brownish, offensive leucorrhoea. 

PULSATILLA - Given for mild, gentle, plethoric women who have a yielding disposition and cry easily while taking.Indicated for chilly worse by warmth and thirstlessness must be present for this remedy to be prescribed.

RL -15, RL - 37