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There are several theories
about what causes endometriosis (none of which have
been proven). Following is just a sample of common
ones.
• The retrograde menstruation theory (transtubal
migration theory) suggests that during
menstruation endometrial cells back up from the
uterus through the fallopian tubes, implant in the
abdomen and grow. Some experts believe that all
women experience some menstrual tissue backup and
that an immune system problem or a hormonal problem
allows this tissue to grow in the women who develop
endometriosis.The theory does not explain why women
who undergo tubal ligation or hysterectomy can still
experience symptoms of endometriosis.
• Another theory suggests that endometrial
tissue is distributed from the uterus to other parts
of the body through the lymph system or through
the blood system.
• A genetic theory suggests
that it may be carried in the genes in certain families
or that some families may have predisposing factors
to endometriosis, though the mode of inheritance
remains unknown. Women with an affected mother or
sister are more likely to have severe endometriosis
than those without affected relatives.
• Another theory suggests that remnants of
tissue from when the woman was an embryo may later
develop into endometriosis, or that some adult tissues
retain the ability they had in the embryo stage
to transform reproductive tissue in certain circumstances.
• Immune - Immunological changes have been
observed in women with endometriosis. According
to this theory, an abnormality in the immune system
allows the endometrial cells that are shed normally
to attach elsewhere and to grow. It is uncertain
whether the immunological changes are responsible
for the endometriosis or the result of the inflammation
caused by the disease.
• Environmental causes - There may also be
a link between exposure to chemicals or allergens
and endometriosis. Research on rhesus monkeys
shows a link between exposure to dioxin and endometriosis.
The greater the exposure to dioxin, the more severe
the endometriosis. Dioxin is a byproduct of pesticide
and bleached pulp and paper products manufacturing.
The chemical can also be produced through burning
of hazardous waste.
Research by the Endometriosis
Association revealed a startling link between
dioxin (TCCD) exposure and the development of endometriosis.
Dioxin is a toxic chemical byproduct of pesticide
manufacturing, bleached pulp and paper products,
and medical and municipal waste incineration. The
EA discovered a colony of rhesus monkeys that had
developed endometriosis after exposure to dioxin.
79% of the monkeys exposed to dioxin developed endometriosis,
and, in addition, the more dioxin exposure, the
more severe the endo.
There are many other theories being investigated.
Some believe that it may actually be "a
combination of several factors."
Reproduce with kind permission from Endometriosis
Assiciation
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