THE FREE RADICALS:

Darwin Little Alex Zimmerman Daniel Tacke Tierra Steen

Darwin Little Jr. 2014

Endometriosis describes a condition where endometrial tissue is present in any location outside of the endometrial cavity. These deposits of endometrial tissue may be encountered in uterine walls, the ovaries, elsewhere inside the pelvis, and also in the appendix or rectum.

Darwin Little Jr. 2014

Endometriosis is a problem because the misplaced endometrial tissue deposits respond to the monthly menstrual cycle in the same way that uterine lining does: Building up, breaking down, and then shedding. However, the products of this process cannot exit the body in the same way as menstrual byproduct because of their awkward location, so they persist, causing a variety of problems, but the most commonly cited issue is [chronic] pain. Infertility is also a major concern, especially since not every woman experiences symptoms.
Darwin Little Jr. 2014

The exact cause is unknown, but popular explanations implicate:

Back up of menstrual flow into the fallopian tubes may cause endometrial tissue to be deposited in unusual locations. This is called retrograde menstruation. However, this does not always cause endometriosis. Because all women experience retrograde menstruation to some degree, its speculated that immune system and/or hormonal abnormalities may contribute to development of endometriosis via this course. Areas lining pelvic organs have primitive cells that can grow into other forms of tissue such as endometrial cells.
Darwin Little Jr. 2014

There are several factors that can put one at a greater risk of developing endometriosis including but not limited to:

Endometriosis usually develops several years after the onset of menstruation (menarche) and in most common in women ages 30-40. Signs and symptoms of endometriosis end temporarily with pregnancy and end permanently with menopause, unless the woman is on an estrogen regimen.
Darwin Little Jr. 2014

Never giving birth Having one or more female relatives (mother, aunt or sister) with endometriosis Any medical condition that prevents the normal passage of menstrual flow out of the body History of pelvic infection Uterine abnormalities Periods lasting longer than 7 days Have cycles that are shorter than 28 days Started their period before age 12 Exposure to dioxin

Pain in the lower abdominal and pelvic regions Extremely painful menstrual cramps Pain during and/or after sex Intestinal discomfort/pain Bowel movement and urination pain during periods Bleeding/spotting between periods Fatigue Diarrhea
Some women may have no signs whatsoever!
Darwin Little Jr. 2014

Infertility, most likely due to scarring or blocking of fallopian tubes by endometrial tissue which has expanded. Formation of cysts which may block blood flow Inflammation and adhesions throughout affected areas

Darwin Little Jr. 2014

Common methods used to test for endometriosis:

Pelvic exam Ultrasound Laparoscopy If doctor prescribed gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnrHs) decreases your pain, a diagnosis of endometriosis is likely.

Darwin Little Jr. 2014

Pain medications: Over the counter and prescription as warranted. Hormone treatments: Birth control pills, estrogen reducing GnRHs, Progestins, and Danazol (weak male hormone). Surgery: Laparoscopy, laparotomy and hysterectomy. Surgery is generally recommended only in severe cases.
Darwin Little Jr. 2014

There is no recognized cure for endometriosis, however, most symptoms can be controlled with pain medicine and hormonal treatments. Extreme cases may require surgery but there is always the chance that symptoms will return.

Darwin Little Jr. 2014

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsiRyutub 7M

Darwin Little Jr. 2014

Endometriosis is a non-fatal condition that mainly affects women aged 30-40. The most commonly reported symptom is chronic pain, though not all women experience symptoms. Treatments include pain medication, hormone therapy and surgery. There is no known cure.
Darwin Little Jr. 2014

1.Genetics may play a role in likelihood of developing this condition, if you have this in your family, be vigilant. 2.The sooner you receive treatment the better. While pain medications may help, if infertility is a concern more serious measures may be needed. 3.Do not despair! Though there is currently no cure, symptoms are largely manageable.
Darwin Little Jr. 2014

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/endom etriosis.html http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/arti cle/000915.htm Essentials of Human Disease textbook

Darwin Little Jr. 2014