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Information on Endometriosis |
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Endometriosis is a common and often painful condition. It is thought to affect approximately 10 per cent of women (one in 10) at some stage during their menstruating years. It can occur anytime, from when periods start, right up to the time of menopause.
Definition
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (the endometrium) is found in sites outside the uterus. The misplaced tissue implants itself onto the surface of the tissue or organ where it has been deposited and begins to grow and function.
Symptoms can include: |
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- Period pain
- Abdominal, back and/or pelvic pain
- Heavy or irregular bleeding
- Bowel or bladder symptoms
- Infertility
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- Premenstrual symptoms
- Tiredness
- Mood changes
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Fact Sheet
A concise, easy-to-understand endometriosis fact sheet is available here in PDF or podcast form:
 Endometriosis Fact Sheet 95.49 Kb  Endometriosis (4 MB)
More Fact Sheets are available from the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health covering a wide range of women's health topics.
Content Updated May 2010
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Dietary fats linked to endometriosis |
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Research based on the Nurses' Health Study II has shown that certain types of dietary fats may increase the risk of endometriosis, while other types are associated with a lower risk. The study analysed 12 years of data, which equated to 568,153 person-years. Nearly 1200 cases of diagnosed endometriosis occurred over this time.
The women who consumed the most long-chain omega-3 fatty acids were 22 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis compared to the women who consumed the least. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are the "good" fats found in oily fish and are associated with maintaining cardiovascular health. Read full story...
Content updated May 4, 2010
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