What Causes
Endometriosis?
The cause of endometriosis is unknown. The retrograde
menstruation theory (transtubal migration theory) suggests that during menstruation some
of the menstrual tissue backs up through the fallopian tubes, implants in the abdomen, and
grows. 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.
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.
Surgical transplantation has also been cited in many cases
where endometriosis is found in abdominal scars, although it has also been found in such
scars when accidental implantation seems unlikely.
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.
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 hazardous waste burning. 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.
