Early Endometriosis Symptoms

According to WebMD, endometriosis is a condition that typically affects women of childbearing age. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus extends beyond the uterine wall and and begins to grow outside of the uterus. There are some common early endometriosis symptoms experienced by women suffering from the condition.

Infertility

• The Endometriosis Association states that infertility may be a symptom of early endometriosis. Endometrial tissue can spread to a woman's ovaries and fallopian tubes making conception difficult.

Painful Periods

• Endometrial tissue outside of the uterus responds to hormones exactly as it does when it is lining the uterus. Endometrial tissue will break down and bleed during menstruation causing a woman with endometriosis a great deal of pain.

Frequent Pelvic Pain

• According to the Mayo Clinic women with endometriosis may experience pelvic pain even when they are not menstruating. Depending on where the endometrial tissue has spread a woman may experience pain during intercourse, bowel movements or when urinating.

Excessive Bleeding

• Women with endometriosis may experience excessive bleeding during menstruation. They may also experience unusual bleeding in between periods.

Fatigue

• A woman with endometriosis is essentially bleeding internally during menstruation. This bleeding can lead to anemia which in turn makes a woman feel extremely fatigued.

Misconceptions

• Not all women who have endometriosis will experience symptoms.