Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Medical Web Links
MOL Site Map
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Endometriosis
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Some women with severe endometriosis have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they generally start years after the woman's first menstrual period. The symptoms usually increase gradually as the area of endometriosis grows. After menopause, the symptoms subside as the abnormal tissue shrinks.
The most common symptom of endometriosis is increasingly painful periods, or dysmenorrhea. The woman may experience a steady dull or severe pain in the lower abdomen, vagina, and/or back. This pain can begin 5 to 7 days before a period.
Symptoms of endometriosis may include: