Endometriosis primarily affects the reproductive system, but it can also disrupt other body systems. Endometrial tissue sometimes impacts the intestines, diaphragm, or bladder, resulting in a variety of symptoms. Here are several uncommon symptoms of endometriosis and what to do about them:
Gastrointestinal Signs
Women with endometriosis may experience a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Symptoms sometimes become more persistent or increase in frequency during menstruation, which helps distinguish them from unrelated GI disorders. These symptoms can appear at different points in the menstrual cycle.
Hormonal fluctuations produce symptoms similar to IBS, including bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Prostaglandins released during menstruation stimulate the bowels, and this contributes to cramping and bowel urgency. Inflamed adhesions may also attach to the intestines, leading to painful obstructions. These gastrointestinal symptoms stem from the anatomical connection of the reproductive system to the lower GI tract.
To determine whether these uncommon symptoms of endometriosis indicate an underlying condition rather than IBS, specialists can perform an endometrial biopsy. The tissue is sent to a lab and tested for the protein marker BCL6. This marker is strongly associated with endometriosis, and it helps detect the condition without requiring surgery.
Urinary System Indicators
Endometriosis can have an impact on the urinary system. In rare cases, endometrial tissue grows on the bladder or ureters, causing frequent urination, burning during urination, or pelvic pain. Increased pelvic discomfort also occurs when the bladder is full. These symptoms resemble a urinary tract infection, but when standard treatments fail to provide relief, it indicates that the underlying cause may be endometriosis. This condition sometimes leads to urinary obstruction during menstruation.
Urinary obstruction occurs when endometrial tissue grows behind the uterus, compressing the ureter or bladder. This results in pain and difficulty urinating. BCL6 testing helps identify endometrial inflammation linked to endometriosis, and this may guide treatment options such as hormonal therapy or surgical intervention for confirmed lesions.
Neurological and Musculoskeletal Symptoms
Women with endometriosis sometimes experience prominent symptoms such as pelvic pain. The disease’s complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, immune, and environmental factors can also lead to musculoskeletal and neurological effects. These include soreness or tenderness along the sides of the trunk that radiates down the thighs. Sciatic endometriosis occurs when lesions develop on the sciatic nerve; this could compress the nerve, causing radiating pain and gait changes. Lesions sometimes grow on the diaphragm as well, and they irritate nerves that cause right shoulder pain or difficulty breathing. Depending on what nerves are affected, this may show up as chest pain or neck pain.
Energy and Immune System Indicators
Fatigue associated with endometriosis differs from typical tiredness. It can be extreme and come with muscle weakness or difficulty completing daily tasks. This fatigue sometimes results from immune system irregularities or cycle-related iron deficiency. Unlike temporary tiredness from strenuous activity, endometriosis-linked fatigue lingers and may cause difficulty maintaining focus, even after sleeping.
Endometriosis is associated with immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation, and this has the potential to contribute to pain, fatigue, and systemic symptoms. Some individuals may develop secondary autoimmune conditions, such as hypothyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis, in which immune cells target healthy tissue. Endocrine disorders and endometriosis share overlapping risks, highlighting the complex pathophysiology underlying these interconnected symptoms. Managing immune and hormonal sensitivities associated with endometriosis may provide opportunities for relief.
Reproductive and Menstrual Variations
Individuals with endometriosis sometimes experience more severe menstrual symptoms. These include intense cramps, heavy bleeding, and lower back pain. Pain may also occur in other areas of the body, such as the chest or thighs. Because endometriosis affects reproductive health, infertility is a recognized symptom of the condition. It occurs when endometrial tissue growth disrupts normal reproductive organ function, making it difficult to conceive. Infertility isn’t consistently linked to endometriosis, as some individuals with mild disease struggle to conceive while others with more advanced disease do not.
To better evaluate infertility associated with suspected endometriosis, clinicians can use BCL6 protein marker testing. This test looks for increased BCL6 expression. Elevated BCL6 levels do not diagnose endometriosis, but they may indicate infertility linked to inflammation commonly associated with the condition.
Identify Uncommon Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis can contribute to unexplained infertility, and BCL6 testing helps detect inflammation associated with the condition. Once detected, treatment options include medications or minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopy. Early recognition helps improve quality of life, and it supports timely management of the condition. Speak with a qualified healthcare provider about BCL6 testing if you suspect endometriosis.
