자궁내막증 증상Endometriosis is found in 10% of women of reproductive age. Risk factors for endometriosis include △ early menstruation before age 11 △ heavy menstruation or a menstrual period of more than 7 days △ short cycle of less than 27 days △ having a uterus in the family. For example, if there is a patient with endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a disease that is not well known even though it is common among adult women. Find out some facts about the endometrium that you didn’t know.
1. Endometriosis may recur even after hysterectomy.
Severe endometriosis can be treated through hysterectomy. However, in rare cases, endometrial lesions may remain outside the uterus even after hysterectomy, and symptoms may recur. Endometrial cells respond to estrogen produced in the ovaries, and even if there is no uterus, if endometrial lesions remain, symptoms may appear in response to the ovaries. In particular, cases where lesions invade other organs such as the intestines are called deep infiltrating endometriosis, or DIE, and more aggressive treatment is required.
2. Endometriosis is most often found in the peritoneum.
Endometrial lesions can be found not only around the uterus but also almost anywhere in the human body. The most common place to find it is the inner surface of the abdomen called the peritoneum, especially in the pelvis and lower abdomen. In rare cases, it can appear in the lining of the lungs, and there have also been reports of lesions appearing in the brain and causing seizures every menstruation.
3. Endometriosis can occur even after menopause.
In most cases, symptoms of endometriosis improve upon menopause and are cured over time after menopause. However, it is estimated that endometriosis persists in 2-5% of cases even after menopause. Experts recommend that if you experience symptoms such as pelvic pain or pain even after menopause, you should visit a hospital and consult a specialist.
4. Duration of exposure is more important than high estrogen levels.
Estrogen, a female hormone, is known to be closely related to endometriosis, and estrogen-blocking drugs are reported to help alleviate symptoms. However, estrogen levels themselves do not cause this. Recent studies have shown that receptors, rather than high estrogen levels, are more associated with endometriosis. Additionally, the longer the period of exposure to estrogen, the higher the risk.
5. Men can also develop endometriosis.
In very rare cases, endometriosis can also be found in men. According to a study published in 2018 by a research team at Creighton University School of Medicine in the United States, endometriosis is found in men in extremely rare cases, and a total of 16 cases have been reported so far. Lesions were most often attached to the bladder, lower abdominal wall, and groin. Long-term estrogen therapy, liver cirrhosis, and chronic inflammation were identified as causes.
