What is the main cause of endometriosis? What is the root cause of endometriosis?

The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.

At present endometriosis is thought to arise from retrograde menstruation, cellular metaplasia and stem cells giving rise to the disease.

Retrograde menstruation is when menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity at the time that blood is flowing out of the body through the cervix and vagina during periods.

Cellular metaplasia is when cells change from one form to another. Cells outside the uterus change into endometrial-like cells and start to grow.

Other factors may include estrogen, (which facilitates the inflammation, growth, and pain associated with the disease), altered or impaired immunity, hormonal influences, genetics and environmental contaminants.

Endometriosis affects around 10% of women of reproductive age, and it can cause a range of symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sex, infertility, and fatigue.