Endometriosis is the build up of endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus. This can lead to pain and infertility issues.

There are some treatments for it, but no cure as yet. Any women of reproductive age may develop endometriosis, but the exact reason why some women get it and others don’t seems to be a mystery. It is estimated that around five percent of women (of reproductive age) have endometriosis, however the numbers may be much higher. What is more confusing is that early endometriosis signs can go unnoticed or be confused for with other ailments.

Some studies suggest that women who begin their periods at a very young age might have a slightly higher risk for developing endometriosis. It would also seem that those with this condition have shorter menstrual cycles, with heavier and longer periods than other women of reproductive age.

These alone are not signs that a person has endometriosis, but they are similarities in diagnosed cases. Though a genetic link is not certain, a woman is more likely to suffer from endometriosis if a close female member of family, such as her mother, aunt or sister, has it.

Some of the endometriosis signs during the early stages of this condition are quite vague, and a diagnosis can be a process of elimination.

One of the first signs for many women is experiencing problems conceiving. This may not be evident early because there is a current trend for women to delay having children until their thirties for a variety of reasons. Infertility has many causes though, so this sign is often an ambiguous one. When other reasons for infertility are ruled out, a doctor might then begin to look for signs of endometriosis if they are not already obvious.

Another of the early signs of endometriosis is an unusual or increased level of pain during a woman’s period. Though some women notice this, others have had always experienced pain during menstruations and so believe that it is the norm.

With endometriosis cramping, bloating, and pain tend to be more severe, and the periods last longer. A woman might also notice that she has abnormal spotting before her period begins. However, pain alone is not a reliable indicator as some severe cases may present with no pain what-so-ever. When that happens, diagnosis can only come in the later stages, and endometriosis can be trickier to treat at this stage.

While treatment is much easier if identified early, this often isn’t possible.

Many women suffering from endometriosis find some relief from their symptoms though the use of hormone therapy, surgery, natural remedies and/or lifestyle changes and are able to have children. There is no cure, but if the early signs of endometriosis are noticed, it can be managed much more easily.

Endometriosis Treatment

If you are suffering from debilitating endometriosis symptoms, the commonly recommended course of action by doctors is to take hormone treatment or undergo surgery. The problem with this approach is apart from being expensive, most medications prescribed for endometriosis come hand in hand with unwanted side effects - like supressing fertility and there are no guarantees that surgery will remove the need for further treatment.

For reliable endometriosis treatment information that focuses on preventing and controlling endometriosis symptoms naturally, read Treating Your Endometriosis; an easy to follow, comprehensively researched downloadable book by Shelley Ross.

Treating Your Endometriosis shows you how to take control of your endometriosis symptoms through the use of effective natural methods that avoid the need for expensive medications. Read how some simple lifestyle changes can have a huge positive effect on your health.