Endometriosis

Endometriosis is the condition where cells from the lining of the uterus - called endometrial cells - are present elsewhere, usually in the pelvis. It is thought that this happens as a result of the cells being pushed through the fallopian tubes during menstruation, to seed elsewhere in places like the ovaries (but this does not explain the presence of endometrial cells in places like the chest). Like other endometrial cells these cells respond to oestrogen and progesterone and become secretory and form cysts, which may fill with blood (so-called chocolate cysts). Bleeding into the peritoneal cavity causes pain, and endometriosis may cause severe pain during menstruation - (dysmenorrhoea).
 
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