Comparison of Endometriosis and PCOS: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Understanding Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Both endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are disorders that affect the reproductive system and may result in heavy bleeding. About 10% of women of reproductive age experience these abnormalities at some point in their life. It is possible for some women to have both conditions.¹If you have either of these conditions, you may experience menstrual complications, which could lead to fertility issues and potentially result in difficulties getting pregnant.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition affecting the female reproductive system where cells that resemble the uterine lining grow beyond the uterine wall. These cells behave just like your endometrium lining, which often breaks down during each menstrual cycle, resulting in bleeding.²This is what causes heavy bleeding during menstruation. This condition may affect surrounding organs, including ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the pelvis, which could cause fertility issues. In rare cases, more distant organs such as the gut, bladder, kidneys, lungs, and skin can be affected. 

Causes of Endometriosis

Although the actual cause of this condition is not known, genetics play a key role in the development of endometrial cells outside the uterine lining. This abnormality may run in certain families as an inherited condition. There are certain factors that may trigger endometriosis, such as:

• Disorder of the immune system
• Transportation of the endometrial cells — your blood vessels may transport endometrial cells to different parts of your body
• Scars that result from surgery in the abdominal area, such as C-section and hysterectomy
• Hormonal imbalance — excess production of estrogen may trigger endometriosis
• Reverse menstruation — this happens when the endometrial tissue flows through the fallopian tube into the pelvic cavity instead of flowing outside the body. These tissues grow and thicken over time.

Risk Factors Associated with Endometriosis

Known risk factors associated with the development of endometriosis include the following:

• Family history
• Age
• Age at the time of first menstruation
• Late menopause
• Exposure to chemicals linked to endocrine disorders
• Sitting for long periods of time
• A history of infertility

Symptoms of Endometriosis

Notable signs include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Severe pelvic pain
• Difficulty falling pregnant 
• Pain during bowel movement, especially during menstruation
• Fatigue during menstruation
• Digestion problems such as bloating and constipation mostly occur during menstruation
• Spotting between menstrual periods
• Severe pain during or after sex 

Diagnosis of Endometriosis

If you present possible symptoms of this condition, your doctor may buy one of the following tests.

• Imaging tests such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — these tests will take pictures of your reproductive system to identify abnormal cell growth beyond your uterus.
• Pelvic exam — your doctor may perform a vaginal examination using gloved fingers to help identify the size, shape, and location of the growths outside your uterus. However, this may not identify smaller growths.
• Surgery — if the above tests are not conclusive, your doctor may recommend a laparoscopy to check your uterus. Doctors may see the growths with their naked eyes or may have to use a microscope to study a sample tissue.

Treatment of Endometriosis

Although there is no known cure for endometriosis, the symptoms can be managed to reduce pain and improve the quality of your life. It’s best to consult your doctor, who can conduct a test and determine the most appropriate way to manage the symptoms. Treatment options for endometriosis may depend on the cause as well as individual goals, such as trying to get pregnant.

• Hormone therapy
• Laparoscopic surgery

Key Differences Between Endometriosis and PCOS