Endometriosis symptoms and cause: Scientists discover why women develop the painful condition

A team of scientists claims to have identified the “prime cause” of endometriosis, raising hopes for a cure for the painful, long term condition.

Endometriosis affects one in 10 women in the UK of any age, but it is most common among women in their 30s and 40s

Researchers, from both Warwick and Edinburgh universities, attributed the cause to a type of white blood cell called macrophages that has mutated or undergone some form of change.

Hope for a cure

The new study, published in a recent Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal paper, aimed to determine the role of macrophages in producing pain associated with endometriosis.

Endometriosis affects one in 10 women in the UK of any age, but it is most common among women in their 30s and 40s

Scientists ran various tests on mice for the study and found that targeting the altered white blood cells could be a novel form of treatment as it doesn't require the use of hormones.

Dr Erin Greaves, senior author of the study, explained that current conventional treatments that use hormones are "not ideal", as they target ovarian function and can trigger side effects, such as suppressing fertility.

The team found that "disease-modified" macrophages stimulate nerve cell growth and activity by releasing the growth hormone insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

Levels of IGF-1 in pelvic cavity tissue from women with endometriosis were found to be higher than in women without the condition, with further tests revealing that blocking the cell receptor for the hormone "reverses the pain behaviour observed in mice with endometriosis".

New research attributed the cause of the condition to a type of white blood cell that has mutated

Dr Greaves explained, "If we can learn about the role of macrophages in endometriosis, then we can distinguish them from healthy macrophages and target treatment to them".

Previous studies have already shown that macrophages have a central role in the development of endometriosis, with the most recent research finding they help nerves to grow in the lesions.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a long term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

It affects one in 10 women in the UK and can affect women of any age, but it is most common in those in their 30s and 40s, according to the NHS.

Symptoms of the condition can vary, but the main signs to look out for are:

- pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) - this is usually worse during your period

- period pain that prevents you from carrying out your normal activities

- pain during or after sex

- pain when going to the toilet during your period

- feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your urine during your period

- difficulty getting pregnant

Some women may also suffer heavy periods and symptoms can sometimes lead to feelings of depression.

Treating the condition

There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but treatments are available to help ease the symptoms, including:

- painkillers - such as ibuprofen and paracetamol

- hormone medicines and contraceptives - including the combined pill, the contraceptive patch, an intrauterine system (IUS), and medicines called gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues

- surgery to cut away patches of endometriosis tissue

- an operation to remove part or all of the organs affected by endometriosis - such as a hysterectomy

If you experience the symptoms of endometriosis and they are having an impact on your life, it is advised you speak to your GP.

The NHS recommends writing down your symptoms before visiting your doctor and completing a pain and symptoms diary created by Endometriosis UK.