Endometriosis may be symptomatic or silent. Symptomatic endometriosis causes pelvic pain during periods, heavy or irregular bleeding, and pain during sex or urination. Some women also experience uncommon symptoms of endometriosis, while others have the condition without any signs. Here are a few unusual endometriosis symptoms:
Gastrointestinal Distress
Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissues that normally grow in the uterus appear elsewhere. These abnormal growths behave like normal tissues, appearing during ovulation and shedding during menses. Abnormal growths result in pain and inflammation and are also linked to fertility issues.
Digestive and gastrointestinal disorders are uncommon symptoms of endometriosis. A few women with the condition may experience bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, especially during menstruation. These symptoms are easily assumed to stem from irritable bowel syndrome, which leads to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Some women also experience painful bowel movements and nausea when the endometrial tissues grow near or on the intestines.
In some cases, the discomfort intensifies after meals or during hormonal fluctuations. Track digestive changes alongside menstrual cycles to help distinguish endometriosis from other digestive concerns. If gastrointestinal pain worsens cyclically, get tested for possible endometriosis. You can get a BCL6 test, which checks for markers of endometriosis and inflammation.
Extrapelvic Symptoms
When endometrial tissues grow outside the uterus, they cause symptoms specific to the affected area. These issues may worsen during menstruation when the tissues naturally shed. Possible extrapelvic symptoms include chest and shoulder pain caused by endometriosis on the diaphragm or in the lungs. These growths sometimes cause diaphragm irritation, leading to pain in the chest or right shoulder. Thoracic endometriosis may lead to breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath or collapsed lungs, during menses. Other extrapelvic symptoms include:
- Coughing up blood: A rare occurrence that is sometimes linked to pulmonary endometriosis if it occurs regularly during menses.
- Blood in stool or urine: If the endometrial growths affect the bladder or bowels, they can lead to blood in the urine or stool, especially around the time of a period.
- Nerve pain: Endometriosis lesions and scar tissue that irritate or compress nerves in the pelvis, resulting in pain and numbness. Nerve compression can cause shooting sensations that radiate down the lower back, hip, or legs.
Unexplained Fatigue
Severe or chronic fatigue that has no explanation may stem from silent endometriosis. If you experience persistent or extreme exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest, get tested for possible hidden endometriosis or hormonal imbalances. The symptoms of abnormal endometrial growths, such as constant pain, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances, can leave you feeling drained.
Your immune system may also become overactive, leading to persistent tiredness that affects your daily activities. This fatigue includes physical exhaustion, leading to secondary symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating. Chronic pain and cyclic discomfort can also disrupt your sleep and workout routines. Lack of quality sleep is likely to result in tiredness, especially if you don’t get enough rest for several days at a time. If you’re consistently tired during the time of your period, seek a diagnosis for possible endometriosis. Try managing rest and maintaining a balanced diet to stay energized. Ask your doctor about pain medication to help reduce the discomfort.
Reproductive Tract Symptoms
Bladder and urinary discomfort are linked to endometriosis, where the abnormal tissues grow in the bladder. Women with endometriosis might feel pelvic pressure or the need for frequent urination. These symptoms tend to appear around the time of menstrual periods.
Pain and frequent urination are hallmark symptoms of urinary tract infections, so endometriosis isn’t the first suspicion during diagnosis. Urinalysis is also likely to reveal low levels of infection, which results in misdiagnosis. Track your symptoms to note if they appear consistently around menstruation. If they do, seek tests for possible endometriosis.
In the case of silent endometriosis, the abnormal growths can block the pathway for the sperm and eggs to meet. These growths, which occur around the ovaries or in the fallopian tubes, may lead to unexplained infertility. They’re also linked to IVF failure and recurring miscarriages.
Identify Uncommon Symptoms of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is linked to inflammation of the uterine lining and other areas where the abnormal tissues grow. You can get a proactive test to check for potential markers of the condition, especially when looking to conceive or undergo an IVF. Get a BCL6 test today to confirm or rule out uncommon symptoms of endometriosis.
