Member-only story
My Endometriosis Symptoms Started When I Was 8
A Reflection on the Importance of Early Diagnosis and a Poem
There are many persistent myths about Endometriosis that negatively impact patient care. The most important myth to correct is the definition of Endometriosis; there are still a lot of other myths that also must be dispelled.
Endometriosis is tissue and lesions similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). The tissue is similar, but not the same, and therefore Endometriosis acts differently than the endometrium. Most doctors unfortunately believe the tissues are the same, but they are histologically different.
The second most important myth to dispel is what I will be talking about today. Contrary to popular belief, teens (and younger) can have Endometriosis!
While the cause of Endometriosis is unknown, many experts believe the Mullerian theory is the closest theory we currently have. The Mullerian theory states that Endometriosis is laid down when our cells are being created in utero. Basically, instead of forming correctly, some of our cells can be laid down improperly while we are fetuses. If this theory is correct, then we are born with Endometriosis.
There have been several studies into the Mullerian theory that have held water. In this study, the…
