Don’t Let These 8 Uncommon Symptoms of Endometriosis Confuse You
The endometrium is made up of cells that line the uterus.
Endometriosis is a disorder in which endometrium develops outside the uterus and into other body regions.
Although Endometriosis predominantly affects the pelvis, it can also damage organs and tissues within and beyond the pelvis, including the nervous, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems.
Atypical signs of Endometriosis don’t always mean they are rare.
This indicates that researchers still need to conduct thorough investigations on these symptoms.
Keeping track of your symptoms can assist a physician or other healthcare provider diagnose or prescribe treatment.
Some people may have one or more of the uncommon symptoms of Endometriosis.
This article presents 8 unusual Endometriosis symptoms you might not have heard of.
Endometriosis fatigue
One important but less common indicator of Endometriosis is fatigue.
Endometriosis fatigue is often accompanied by pain and other symptoms.
It can upset people and impair their quality of life and everyday activities.
A 2018 study revealed that recurring exhaustion is frequently accompanied by having trouble sleeping, being depressed, or occupational stress
There was no apparent correlation between variables such as age, time from diagnosis, stage of the illness, and degrees of tiredness.
Nerve pain Endometriosis
Endometriosis has the potential to develop close to or along nerve pathways.
Therefore, Endometriosis is also linked to neuropathic pain, or pain resulting from injury or malfunction of the nerves.
It usually feels like tingling, burning, or shooting pain.
Because of Endometriosis, pain can go beyond the pelvic area and affect places like your shoulders, chest, and lower back.
According to a 2017 study, Endometriosis may sometimes affect the sciatic nerve.
Consequently, one might experience groin, legs, or lower back discomfort.
Its primary symptom is Endometriosis Sciatica, caused by the menstrual cycle, which can progress to nerve difficulties or neuropathy.
A study from 2021 says that a lot of people with Endometriosis may have something that feels like neuropathic pain.
Endometriosis GI symptoms
Endo belly, a distressing condition characterized by bloating, is commonly associated with Endometriosis during menstruation.
Since Endometriosis is inflammatory, it can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Endometriosis are frequently misdiagnosed due to the similarity of their symptoms.
Painful bowel movements, chronic bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and food sensitivities might indicate Endometriosis.
Endometriosis adhered to the intestine and stomach might induce episodes of vomiting during menstruation as well.
Prioritize the diagnosis and treatment of Endometriosis before implementing any dietary modifications, as these adjustments may only provide temporary relief.
Consult your doctor if you have painful bowel motions or other irregular bowel habits, which may indicate Bowel Endometriosis.
Also read: You can read Endometriosis Diet: to understand what foods to eat and avoid
Acne
An earlier study from 2014 suggests that having severe acne as a teen may make you more likely to get Endometriosis.
Since severe acne is easily visible, it may be an early indicator for detecting Endometriosis.
Urinary tract Endometriosis
If you are experiencing bladder issues such as Urinary Tract Infections or increased frequency of urination during menstruation, it may be due to Endo lesions on the bladder.
In rare situations, Endometriosis can grow on or into the bladder and cause Bladder Endometriosis.
Additionally, this can result in Dysuria and bladder spasms.
It can occur mostly during menstruation, typically when the endometrial cells are most inflamed, but it can also flare up at any other time.
Endometriosis flank pain
Back pain or flank pain, especially if it persists and becomes more severe during menstruation, may occasionally indicate the presence of Endometriosis.
Endometriosis flank pain may result from muscle irritation (caused by general inflammation) or the uterine position within the pelvis.
A lot of women have their uterus positioned so that it tilts toward the back of the pelvis.
When they have cramps, it can feel like they have lower back pain.
Ovarian cysts can form in some people with Endometriosis and cause back pain.
Furthermore, Endometriosis can occasionally impact the upper urinary tract, specifically the ureters (referred to as Ureteral Endometriosis) and the kidneys (known as Renal Endometriosis).
A lot of people with renal Endometriosis have flank pain.
In fact, about 25% of people with ureteral Endometriosis report having flank pain.
Endometriosis chest pain
A very uncommon type of Endometriosis called Thoracic Endometriosis can sometimes result in symptoms affecting the chest and lungs, making you cough and have trouble breathing.
This disease is characterized by endometrial-like tissue in the chest cavity, which commonly affects the lining of the lungs and other parts of the chest.
Endometriosis in the diaphragm can cause pain in the chest and shoulders in certain women, too.
Women who have severe Endometriosis on the diaphragm may have difficulty breathing.
Depression
Depression is a risk associated with numerous chronic medical conditions, including Endometriosis.
A lack of treatment choices, and the feeling that there isn’t much support or conversation about the condition, it is not surprising that many women become depressed.
Wrong diagnoses, delayed diagnoses, and long-lasting painful symptoms add to the factors causing Depression.
Conclusion
Chronic pelvic pain and painful periods are common symptoms of Endometriosis.
Several uncommon symptoms must be discussed more, including fatigue, nerve pain, gastrointestinal issues, acne, and bladder problems.
Unfortunately, it can take several years for women to receive a correct diagnosis.
Therefore, it’s important to keep track of any unusual symptoms and consult a healthcare provider.
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, but there are Endometriosis treatment options available.
They include lifestyle changes, medication, and Endometriosis surgery.
It’s crucial not to ignore these symptoms as they can lead to serious health issues and affect a person’s overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the silent symptoms of Endometriosis?
Silent symptoms of Endometriosis may include fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, pelvic pain, and infertility. These symptoms are often overlooked. Some women may experience mild symptoms that they mistake for other conditions, such as PMS. This leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
What are the symptoms of abnormal Endometriosis?
While there’s no such thing as abnormal Endometriosis, the symptoms of Endometriosis can be severe and debilitating. They might also include pelvic pain, painful menstrual cramps, pain during or after sex, pain with bowel movements or urination, heavy menstrual periods, fatigue, constipation, bloating, nausea, and difficulty getting pregnant.
What are the uncommon symptoms of Endometriosis?
Uncommon symptoms of Endometriosis include nerve pain, urinary symptoms like urinary frequency, gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation, fatigue, painful intercourse, urgency to urinate, bloating, back pain, and Depression. These symptoms can make diagnosis challenging, and patients may be misdiagnosed with other conditions such as IBS or UTI.
What are uncommon sites of Endometriosis?
Uncommon sites of Endometriosis include the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, lung, umbilicus, inguinal (groin) area, breast, pelvic nerves, abdominal wall, scars in the tissue between the vagina and anus, chest, and nasal mucosa. These atypical locations can contribute to the diagnostic challenge of Endometriosis and may require specialized imaging for accurate evaluation.
