Causes:

Endometriosis occurs among women all over the world, but researchers have been unable to determine its cause. A combination of genetic, biologic, and environmental factors appear to work together to trigger the initial process, produce implantation, and cause subsequent reseeding and spreading of the implants.

Initial Cause and Distribution of Endometriosis

Retrograde Menstruation. One explanation for the development of endometriosis implants involves retrograde menstruation. This occurs during a woman's period, when menstrual tissue flows backward through the fallopian tubes rather than out through the vagina. Early theorists suggested that, in some cases, the redistributed uterine tissue attached and grew in areas outside the uterus, forming endometriosis implants. This theory does not fully explain endometriosis, however. Many women have some retrograde menstruation, but not all of them develop endometrial cysts. Consequently, other factors must explain why uterine tissue becomes implanted and grows in areas outside the uterus.

Lymphatic Transport. This theory suggests that endometriosis first develops when uterine tissue is separated and transported to other organs through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream.

The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually talking about swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, include the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).

Candida. There is absolutely no evidence that endometriosis is caused by candida (commonly called yeast infection), as claimed in some consumer publications.

Causes of Persistence and Growth of Endometriosis

There are two basic mysteries surrounding the persistence and growth of endometriosis:

• Why do endometrial implants survive the attack by the immune system, which is typically launched against any foreign presence in the body?
• How do these endometrial travelers develop new blood vessels and implant themselves in other locations?

Impaired Immune System. Some research is focused on possible immune disorders in women with endometriosis. One theory proposes that women with endometriosis have fewer natural killer (NK) cells, which are factors in the immune system important for surveillance. In their absence, the immune system is weakened and may allow endometrial tissue to invade and take root. A recent study suggests that other types of immune system cells are also underactive in women with endometriosis, allowing the woman's body to tolerate the implanted tissue.

Some evidence suggests that endometriosis represents an autoimmune condition, in which the immune system launches an attack on its own cells and tissue. Much of the evidence rests on the relatively high incidence of other inflammatory autoimmune disorders (such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus) that occur in women with endometriosis. It is unclear, however, how this response relates to endometriosis itself and whether endometriosis should be treated as an autoimmune condition.

Growth Factors and Angiogenesis. Macrophages also produce growth factors, which are of particular interest because they play important roles in angiogenesis, a natural process by which new blood vessels form.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is secreted by endometrial cells, and so is of special interest. Under normal conditions, VEGF is secreted within the uterus. When oxygen levels drop following menstruation and blood loss, VEGF levels rise and promote the growth of new blood vessels. This process is important for repairing the uterus following menstruation.

When endometrial cells land outside the uterus, however, investigators theorize that this same process occurs with unfortunate results. The cells secrete VEGF when they are deprived of blood and oxygen, which in turn stimulates blood vessel growth. In this case, however, blood vessel growth serves to promote implantation outside the womb.

Other growth factors involved in angiogenesis that may play a role in endometriosis include transforming growth factors (such as TGF-beta), platelet-derived endothelial growth factor (PD-ECGF), and tumor necrosis growth factors.

Inflammatory Response. The damage, infertility, and pain produced by endometriosis may be due to an overactive response by the immune system to the early presence of endometrial implants. The body, perceiving the implants as hostile, launches an attack. Levels of large white blood cells called macrophages are elevated in endometriosis. Macrophages produce very potent factors, which include cytokines (particularly those known as interleukins) and prostaglandins. Such factors are known to produce inflammation and damage in tissues and cells.

Genetic Factors

The incidence of endometriosis in women who have a mother or sister with the disorder may be up to 10 times higher than average. Although there has been no consistent genetic anomaly identified yet, there are several candidates being investigated.