Endometriosis of the uterus: what is it, why is it dangerous, symptoms, signs and treatment in an accessible language

Endometriosis can cause painful periods, persistent pelvic pain, infertility, and other symptoms. Symptoms of endometriosis can range from mild to severe.

Treatment options include mainly pain medication, hormonal treatments, and surgery.

It is worth explaining what it is in an accessible language and why it is dangerous, how the pathology develops, what methods have been developed for its detection and treatment is acceptable in various clinical situations.

What is endometriosis?

The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inner lining of the body of the uterus (mucosal layer).

Uterine endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus. It is "trapped" in the pelvis and lower abdomen, and, less commonly, in other areas of the body.

Endometriosis is a hormonally dependent pathological condition, accompanied by the growth of the glandular lining of the uterus in the fallopian tubes, in the ovaries, bladder, in the thickness of the uterus, on the peritoneum, in the intestines and on some other organs (see photo above).

Endometriosis is a common gynecological pathology, ranked 3rd in frequency of occurrence after inflammation and uterine fibroids. Most often, endometriosis of the uterus is detected in women of reproductive age - from 25 to 40 years. Also, pathology can manifest itself in girls during the formation of menstrual function and in. It should be borne in mind that the difficulties in detecting pathology and the asymptomatic course of the disease allow us to conclude that the endometrioid process is more common.

Reasons for the development of endometriosis

In medicine, there is no single theory about the causes of endometriosis. There are several causes, the most common of which is retrograde menstruation (meaning the reverse flow of menstrual blood). She explains the origin of endometriosis by the involvement of endometrial particles with menstrual blood in the fallopian tubes and abdominal cavity during retrograde menstruation.

When a number of conditions are combined, endometrioid cells are fixed on various organs and resume their ability to function cyclically. During menstruation, the presence of the endometrium, localized on uncharacteristic organs, provokes microbleeding and inflammation.

Thus, those women who have retrograde menstruation may develop endometriosis, but not in all situations. The likelihood of developing pathology increases due to the following features:

hereditary predisposition;
disorders in the immune system;
surgical interventions;
environmental factors (properties of the environment that affects your body).

Also, the progression of endometriosis is possible with surgical interventions on the uterus. For this reason, after any operation, it is important to be observed by a doctor for the timely diagnosis of possible pathologies.

There are also a number of other theories about the causes of endometriosis, the spectrum of which includes:

theory of gene mutations;
deviations in the interaction of receptor molecules with hormones;
violations of the functionality of cellular enzymes;
embryonic theory.

Risk Factors for Endometriosis

There are several main groups of women predisposed to the progression of endometriosis:

women with shortening;
women with impaired metabolism (obesity);
using intrauterine contraceptives;
age over 30-35 years;
women with pathologically high levels of estrogen;
women with pathologies that depress the immune system;
undergone surgery on the uterus;
smoking women.

Classification and degree of development of endometriosis

The exact answer to the question “what is uterine endometriosis” is determined by the localization and prevalence of the pathological process. For this reason, a classification of pathology according to location has been developed.

There are two main groups of the disease - extragenital and genital.

In the case of the genital form of the pathology, heterotopic areas are located on the genitals, and in the case of the extragenital form, they are located outside the reproductive organs. The genital form of the disease is divided into several conditions:

peritoneal form of endometriosis - involvement in the pathological process of the pelvic peritoneum, ovaries and fallopian tubes;
extraperitoneal form of endometriosis - ectopic foci are localized in the lower part of the woman's reproductive system (cervix, vagina, external genitalia);
the internal form of endometriosis (uterine endometriosis or adenomyosis) can develop in the myometrium.

In the absence of proper treatment, the pathological process is mixed.

In the case of extragenital localization, the foci of the location of the endometrium include the intestines, lungs, kidneys, and postoperative scars.

Based on the prevalence and depth of the pathological focus, 4 main degrees of development of endometriosis are distinguished:

First: single foci are localized on the surface.
Second: a greater number of deep foci.
Third: multiple deep foci, the presence of endometrioid,.
Fourth: a large number of deep foci of pathology, large endometrioid cysts, severe adhesive process, the endometrium grows into the thickness of the rectum and vagina.

In addition, the following degrees of internal endometriosis are distinguished according to the degree of involvement in the pathological process of the muscular layer of the uterus:

First: the beginning of the defeat of the myometrium.
Second: the foci of pathology grow into half of the layer of the myometrium.
Third: the defeat of the entire thickness of the muscle layer of the organ.
Fourth: damage to the walls of the organ, the spread of the pathological process to the tissues of the peritoneum.

Endometrial lesions differ in shape and size: they can be medium-sized, rounded or shapeless and common up to several centimeters in diameter.

Most often, they are characterized by a dark cherry color and delimitation from adjacent tissues with whitish scars. As a result of cyclic maturation, endometrioid lesions are more visible just before the onset of menstruation.

Clinical symptoms of endometriosis

The clinic of the condition can be varied, depending on the localization of the pathological process and its severity. Timely detection of the disease is possible with regular visits to the gynecologist for the purpose of preventive examination.

Allocate a range of symptoms that characterize the progression of endometriosis:

Pain in the pelvic area. The pain syndrome can be both diffuse and localized. The pain may be constant or aggravated by menstruation. Soreness is most often provoked by the inflammatory process that accompanies endometriosis.
Dysmenorrhea. Menstrual disorders.
Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse.
Pain during urination and defecation.
Menorrhagia is an increase in the amount and duration of menstrual bleeding.
Posthemorrhagic. The condition is provoked by the chronic nature of blood loss. It manifests itself in the form of increasing weakness, jaundice or pallor of the skin, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness.
Infertility. It develops in 25-40% of patients with endometriosis. In this case, we are talking about a low probability of pregnancy, and not about its complete impossibility.

Possible complications of endometriosis

Due to hemorrhages and scarring in endometriosis, adhesions are provoked in the organs of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis. Quite often, as a result of pathology, cysts form on the ovaries, which are filled with menstrual blood. Both adhesions and endometrioid cysts can cause infertility.

Also, with endometriosis, compression of the nerve trunks can be observed, which leads to the development of neurological symptoms. Due to significant blood loss, such manifestations are provoked as:

anemization;
irritability;
constant weakness.

Foci of endometriosis in some cases undergo malignancy (malignancy).

Diagnosis of endometriosis of the uterus

When endometriosis is detected, it is important to exclude other gynecological pathologies that occur with similar symptoms. Diagnostic search includes the following activities:

Collection of anamnesis. It is important to take into account not only the clinical symptoms and complaints of the patient, but also a family history, that is, cases of pathology among family members. It is also necessary to clarify whether gynecological operations were performed.
Gynecological examination. It can be vaginal, rectovaginal, in the mirrors. The most informative is its holding a few days before the onset of menstruation.
Colposcopy and hysterosalpingoscopy. They are carried out in order to clarify the localization and parameters of the lesion, as well as to obtain a biopsy.
Ultrasound procedure. It is necessary to clarify the location of the foci of pathology and the dynamics of the state in the course of therapy.
Spiral computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. These methods allow us to clarify the nature and localization of endometriotic lesions.
Laparoscopy. The method allows you to visually assess the number, maturity, activity of endometriotic lesions.
Hysterosalpingography is an X-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Hysteroscopy is an endoscopic examination of the uterus to detect.
Laboratory studies: detection of tumor markers CEA, CA-125, CA 19-9 and RO test. These indicators in the case of endometriosis increase significantly. Also, laboratory diagnostics is carried out in order to detect anemia in patients with endometriosis.

Some diagnostic techniques are worth considering in more detail.

Hysterosalpingography

This technique is important for detecting internal endometriosis (adenomyosis or endometriosis of the uterus). The study is carried out with a water-soluble contrast agent on the 5th, 6th or 7th day of the cycle. X-ray shows the presence of contour shadows.

Tomography

Computed tomography can provide information about the boundaries of the pathological process. Magnetic resonance imaging is more informative in endometriosis.

Ultrasound procedure

This technique allows you to characterize the pathology according to clear criteria. Endometrioid origin is characterized by the presence of a dense capsule, hyperechoic contents.

In the case of adenomyosis, the study can reveal areas with increased echogenicity, irregularity and serration of the border areas of the endometrium and myometrium, round inclusions about 5 mm in diameter. Nodal variants of adenomyosis are accompanied by the formation of cavities with liquid with a diameter of about 30 mm.

Hysteroscopy

This technique allows you to accurately identify endometrioid passages, the roughness of the relief of the walls of the uterus in the form of crypts or ridges. In 1997 V.G. Breusenko et al developed a hysteroscopic classification of the prevalence of the endometrioid process:

The first stage: unchanged relief of the walls of the uterus, endometrioid passages are found in the form of “eyes” of a blue tint or bleeding foci. The wall of the uterus is characterized by unchanged density.
The second stage: uneven relief of the uterine wall in the form of ridges or loose muscle tissue. Endometrioid passages are revealed. The uterine cavity is poorly stretched. The wall has a higher density.
Third stage: the inner surface of the uterus includes many bulges of various sizes that do not have clear boundaries. Sometimes endometrioid passages are noted on the upper part of the bulges. The uterine wall is very dense.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is necessary to distinguish between endometrioid cysts and ovarian tumors. The final diagnosis is based on history and ultrasound. With endometriosis of the ovaries, there may be no pain, and with an oncological process, non-localized pain may appear.

In the oncological process and in endometriosis, an increase in the level of CA-125 is noted. Therefore, an increase in the concentration of this substance does not confirm only one diagnosis. In some cases, the final diagnosis is possible only during laparoscopic surgery.

In the case of rectovaginal localization of endometrioid lesions, a differential diagnosis with metastases of chorionic carcinoma is required. For the final diagnosis in this case, a correct history taking and a study of the concentration of hCG are required (signs of pregnancy are also determined).

The tubo-ovarian inflammatory process in the form of an abscess is difficult to diagnose due to the erased clinic of inflammation (for example, chlamydial etiology) and the difficulty of distinguishing the process from a benign tumor or cyst of endometrioid origin.

If the formations on the ovary do not regress within two months, surgical intervention is prescribed. Often, the final diagnosis is made after surgery and biopsy examination.

Also, in the case of endometriosis, differential diagnosis with a hyperplastic process of the endometrium may be required. With the retrovaginal nature of the lesion and endometriosis of the ligamentous apparatus of the uterus, it is imperative to exclude malignant neoplasms in the organs of the digestive system.

Treatment of endometriosis of the uterus

The tactics of therapeutic correction is determined by the following parameters:

age;
number of pregnancies;
the number of births;
the prevalence of the pathological process;
the location of the foci;
clinic intensity;
accompanying illnesses.

There are such methods of treatment of endometriosis:

Medical.
Surgical - laparoscopy with the elimination of endometrial lesions or radical removal of the uterus and ovaries.
Combined.

The goals of therapeutic correction of endometriosis are not only the elimination of symptoms, but also the prevention of adverse processes in the form of adhesions, cysts and other pathologies.

Non-surgical treatment of uterine endometriosis with drugs

Conservative treatment (non-surgical) of the disease is carried out if endometriosis is asymptomatic, the patient is at a young age or at the age of premenopause, and there is also a need to preserve reproductive functions.

The basis of conservative treatment is hormonal therapy with such groups of medicines:

Combined estrogen-progestogen preparations. These include Nonovlon, Silest, Marvelon. These medicines contain small doses of gestagens, inhibit the synthesis of estrogens and the ovulatory process. They are prescribed in the initial stages of endometriosis, since combined drugs have no effect in the case of widespread endometriosis, the presence of cysts. Possible side effects in case of application: nausea and vomiting, pain in the mammary glands, spotting in the intermenstrual period.
Gestagens. These include Dufaston, Nemestran, Utrozhestan, Norkoput. Perhaps the appointment at all stages of the endometrioid process. Treatment with these drugs is carried out over a period of six months to 8 months. Possible side effects: intermenstrual spotting, depression, soreness in the mammary glands.
Antigonadotropic drugs. These include Danol, Danogen, Danazol. The mechanism of action is to suppress the synthesis of gonadotropic hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary system. A continuous course is prescribed lasting from six months to 8 months. Do not apply in case of hyperandrogenism. The following side effects are possible: hot flashes, sweating, fluctuations in body weight, roughness of the voice, increased oiliness of the skin, increased hairiness.
Gonadotropic releasing hormone agonists. These include Goserepin, Triptorelin and some other drugs. The advantages of taking medications from this group include the possibility of short-term use and the absence of pronounced side effects. These drugs suppress the ovulatory process, reduce the concentration of estrogen, which together suppresses the prevalence of endometrioid lesions.
Auxiliary medicines: immunostimulating drugs, antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory drugs.

A specific scheme of drug correction of the endometrioid process is prescribed by the attending physician, based on the characteristics of the clinical situation. Therapy of the condition should be comprehensive, it is important to strictly follow medical recommendations for the maximum effectiveness of the chosen tactics for the treatment of endometriosis.

A detailed table on how to treat endometriosis of the uterus with medication, including drugs, their mechanism of action, dosages and side effects:

Medicines	Main mechanisms of action	Dosage and regimen	Possible side effects
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, prolonged, deposited forms	Blocking the production of gonadotropic hormones	Injection form of administration, once every 28 days, 4 to 6 times	Vegetative-vascular symptoms, in physiological conditions characteristic of menopause, a decrease in bone density
Antigonadotropic drugs: danazol, gestrinone	Gonadotropin blocking, endometrial atrophy	Danazol: 600-800 mg per day for six months, Gestrinone: 2.5 mg 2 times a week for six months	Androgen-dependent dermatopathy, increased pressure, increased body weight
Progesterone analogs: dydrogesterone	Decreased proliferation intensity, decidualization	10–20 mg per day from days 5 to 25 of the menstrual cycle or continuously for six months	Not found
Synthetic progestogens: norethisterone	Decreased proliferation intensity, decidualization, atrophic changes in the endometrium	5 mg daily for six months	Weight gain, hyperlipidemia, fluid retention
Combined monophasic, estrogen-progestin drugs	Decreased intensity of endometrial proliferation and ovulatory peak of gonadotropic hormones	Continuous use for 6-9 months	Hypercoagulation, fluid retention

Surgical treatment of endometriosis

With an average and severe degree of development of the endometrioid process, organ-preserving operations on the uterus are indicated. At the same time, fragments of heterotopias in organs, endometrioid cysts are removed, adhesions are dissected.

Video, how to perform surgery on the uterus with endometriosis:

The operation is prescribed if conservative treatment does not bring the desired effect, there are contraindications to taking drugs, there are foci more than 3 cm in diameter, the function of the organs of the excretory system and intestines is impaired. Quite often operational measures are combined with conservative ones. Surgical intervention is implemented through laparotomy or laparoscopy.

A radical operation, that is, removal of the appendages and extirpation of the uterus itself, can be prescribed if the patient is over 40 years old, the pathological process progresses, and there is no effect from less radical correction methods.

In some cases, endometriosis is prone to recurrent course, which may lead to repeated surgical intervention. It is important to undergo preventive examinations with a specialist at least once every six months for the earliest detection of pathology and the effectiveness of conservative correction measures.

The criteria for the effectiveness of the treatment of pathology are:

good health;
absence of pain and other subjective complaints;
the absence of cases of recurrence of the process for five years after a full therapeutic course.

If a woman is of reproductive age, then the effectiveness of therapy is determined by the preservation of childbearing function. In most patients, even surgical correction does not cause complications in the form of infertility due to the use of modern laparoscopic methods.

In the case of radical operations, the resumption of the pathological process does not occur.

Treatment of symptoms at home

Complementary and alternative therapies may include acupuncture, chiropractic, and herbal medicine, but there is no evidence that these are effective.

According to many reviews found on the forums, it helps some to cope with the disease.
Avoiding caffeine may help reduce pain, as caffeine may worsen symptoms.
Exercise, such as walking, can reduce pain and slow the progression of the condition by lowering estrogen levels.

It is important to monitor symptoms because of the long-term complications of endometriosis. Severe pain or unexpected bleeding should be reported to the doctor.

Although there is currently no cure for endometriosis, most women can relieve symptoms and still have children.

Measures to prevent endometriosis

The sooner a woman visits a gynecologist when the initial signs of a pathological process appear, the greater the likelihood of recovery and the lower the likelihood of an operation.

Self-medication or neglect of therapy only worsens the condition: with new menstruation, the appearance of new endometrioid lesions, the formation of cysts, the progression of the formation of adhesions and scars, and the patency of the fallopian tubes decrease.

The main preventive measures for the endometrioid process include:

Examination of patients with complaints of dysmenorrhea. Women of any age with the appearance of symptoms of dysmenorrhea are examined for a tendency to develop the endometrioid process.
Observation of women who underwent gynecological operations for the timely detection of pathological foci. Any surgical intervention in the area of the organs of the reproductive system can provoke the progression of endometriosis, therefore, after the operation, it is necessary to regularly observe a specialist.
Timely diagnosis and treatment of acute, chronic inflammatory processes of the reproductive system. Inflammatory diseases can also lead to the development of the endometrioid process, so it is important to treat pathologies in time and not neglect the prescribed methods of therapy.

Higher education (Cardiology). Cardiologist, therapist, functional diagnostics doctor. I am well versed in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system. Graduated from the academy (full-time), has a lot of work experience behind her.

Specialty: Cardiologist, Therapist, Doctor of Functional Diagnostics.

Temperature with endometriosis will help your doctor diagnose the disease at an early stage and begin treatment. A woman needs to keep a measurement diary in which she will note daily temperature readings. The attending physician, after analyzing the result, will help to make a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment. Due to timely treatment, the development of consequences can be prevented.

Endometriosis is a serious pathology

Endometriosis is a common female disease. Diagnosis at an early stage contributes to easy treatment and recovery, as well as the prevention of complications.

Gynecological pathology, in which the cells of the uterine lining are located and develop outside of it, is called endometriosis. Such cells can be located on the genitals, bladder, spread to the intestines, postoperative scars. Such foci affect hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, after its completion they are destroyed.

Experts cannot name the exact causes of the development of the disease.

The main factors include: abortion, gynecological surgery, heredity, the use of intrauterine contraceptives, hormonal changes, disorders of the immune system.

Do not confuse the concepts of endometritis and endometriosis. They are similar only in that they are associated with the mucous membranes of the uterus and can lead to the development of infertility. Endometritis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the lining of the uterus itself.

Thanks to various signals coming from our body, we can determine the presence of a particular disease in the body. Attentive attitude to your health will help to cope with any ailment and prevent the development of complications in the body.

Symptoms of endometriosis may include:

painful menstruation;
pain in the pelvic area;
spotting;
pain during intercourse;
frequent urination;
intermenstrual bleeding;
characteristic changes in basal temperature;

Monitoring changes in basal temperature at different periods of the cycle will help the doctor correctly diagnose and prescribe the necessary treatment, which will bring the most effective results in the early stages of endometriosis.

In order to monitor changes in body temperature, it is necessary to keep a temperature diary and consult a doctor. With the help of calculations, a specialist will help determine the individual body temperature, because each organism has its own normal indicator. Observational data will help determine the presence of many inflammatory diseases.

Possible changes in temperature with endometriosis:

The temperature value in the middle of the cycle should be stable and not exceed normal values.
With endometriosis, a few days before the onset of menstruation, the temperature indicator decreases slightly. By the beginning of menstruation, the basal temperature may be less than 37 degrees.
In the presence of the disease, menstruation is characterized by the presence of general weakness, headache and other symptoms. During this period, the basal temperature will rise above 38 degrees.
After the end of menstruation, the temperature will return to normal. With the onset of the next menstrual period, the basal temperature will begin to change again.

It happens that changes in temperature may be due to the presence of another inflammatory disease, if endometriosis is not confirmed.

Therefore, every woman should keep a diary of temperature measurements in order to maintain her health in the normal range.

In some cases, the disease can be asymptomatic, so regular preventive examinations by a gynecologist, ultrasound and monitoring of tests are necessary.

One of the most serious complications is infertility, endometriosis is diagnosed in every second patient suffering from infertility. But also with this disease, anemia and neurological disorders can appear. With a neglected form, endometrioid tissue can develop into a malignant tumor.

Often a woman suffering from endometriosis experiences pain during intercourse. To cope with this unpleasant situation, it is necessary to explain to the sexual partner that the problem is not in him, but in a serious illness that can harm women's health. Choose a position in which you will enjoy sexual intimacy.

A timely and correct diagnosis will give a woman the opportunity to live a normal life and give birth to a healthy child.

At this stage of its development, medicine cannot cure endometriosis, it can only stop the reproduction of pathological cells and reduce pain.

For best results, a woman should see a doctor as soon as possible and follow his recommendations. Successful treatment increases the chance of pregnancy up to 70%.

Many diseases of the female reproductive system go unnoticed for a long time, as they have subtle symptoms. Even disruptions in the menstrual cycle are blamed on stress, overwork and other physiological factors. But it is impossible not to notice a periodic increase in temperature without obvious reasons. And it is this symptom that often helps to diagnose such an unpleasant disease as endometriosis.

But not all women know that the basal temperature in uterine endometriosis can increase and do not always report this increase to their gynecologist.

Description of the disease

Uterine endometriosis is a disease in which endometrial cells proliferate and begin to develop outside the inner layer of the uterus. It happens that not only the organs of the reproductive system of a woman suffer from pathology, but also the intestines, and the bladder and others.

The exact causes of uterine endometriosis are not known. But for the appearance of the disease, there must be an imbalance of sex hormones and disorders in the immune system. Only under such conditions will endometrial cells be able to spread beyond the inner layer of the uterus and gain a foothold in a new place. Factors provoking the appearance of the disease are:

various gynecological operations that violate the integrity of the uterus, including abortions;
use of an intrauterine device;
hereditary predisposition;
overweight.

The main symptom of uterine endometriosis is irregular menstruation. Most often, the duration of the discharge and their intensity increase. Also, there are often pain sensations that intensify before the onset of menstruation. Question: can there be a temperature with endometriosis is not simple. The fact is that many doctors say that the body temperature does not rise with endometriosis of the uterus. But usually this is about general indicators. But at the same time, do not forget about the basal temperature, which just can change.

What is basal body temperature?

Basal body temperature is the minimum value to which a woman's temperature drops during rest or sleep. Since it is measured rectally, the name rectal can also be found, which does not accurately reflect the essence. You need to know that the basal temperature is individual for each woman and changes during the menstrual cycle.

Therefore, in order to be able to track any deviations from your normal basal temperature, you need to know the values that correspond to the norm. Usually those women who are trying to conceive a child track all the changes, because the basal temperature can accurately determine the moment of ovulation.

If a woman does not suffer from endometriosis, then the graph of changes in basal temperature is approximately as follows.

During menstruation, the basal temperature gradually decreases and by the end of the last day of discharge it can reach a value of 36 degrees.
At this value, the temperature is kept until the middle of the cycle.
During the maturation of the egg, the indicator rises and remains so for 3 days. The basal temperature at this time is about 37–37.3 degrees.
After the release of the egg, the temperature should rise a little more and reach a value of 37.5 degrees. This value lasts about 2 weeks.
Before the onset of menstruation, different women have a temperature in the range of 36.9–37 degrees.

It should be noted that between the two phases of the cycle there must be a temperature jump of at least 0.4 degrees, as this indicates the normal operation of the hormonal system.

Disturbances in the normal basal temperature cycle can tell about the onset of the disease much earlier than the onset of other symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable for women at risk to constantly keep a diary with a graph of their indicators.

The disadvantage of this method of early diagnosis of uterine endometriosis is that in order to obtain reliable results, it is necessary to take measurements for at least several months. And every morning at the same time, taking measurements for at least 2-3 months in a row is quite difficult for a woman who leads an active lifestyle.

Changes in basal body temperature in endometriosis

There is practically no increase in overall body temperature with endometriosis of the uterus. Only if at such stages of the disease, when the tissue has grown too much and causes inflammation in the body. Can there be fever with endometriosis in other cases? Maybe if the body of a woman with this disease is affected by some negative factors, such as a solarium, prolonged exposure to the sun, excessive physical activity. In this case, the overall temperature can rise to 38 degrees and even more.

Changes in basal temperature in uterine endometriosis are usually cyclical and depend on the stage of the menstrual cycle.

3-4 before the onset of menstruation, a woman experiences a decrease in basal temperature. In each case, this value will be individual, but on average, by the beginning of menstruation it will be about 37 degrees.
During the onset of discharge, the basal temperature also rises in healthy women. However, with endometriosis, the maximum rate is much higher than normal and often exceeds 38 degrees.
After the end of menstruation, the basal temperature returns to normal, and then the cycle repeats again.

If you notice similar jumps in basal temperature, then you should contact your gynecologist. After all, a similar symptom can speak both about endometriosis of the uterus, and about pregnancy, and about any inflammatory process in the body.

Additional symptoms

The fact that the basal temperature began to rise is not the only symptom by which the presence of uterine endometriosis can be suspected, as there is an increase in values during pregnancy or other factors. Therefore, you should pay attention to the following symptoms.

Bloody spotting that appears at an unusual time of the cycle.
Pain during menstruation or during sex.
Unpleasant sensations in the pelvic area, which resemble a feeling of heaviness in violation of the intestines.
Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract or excretory system.
Signs of general intoxication of the body.
Inability to conceive a child.

A woman's attentiveness to the processes taking place in her body will help to detect unpleasant symptoms in a timely manner.

Correct temperature measurement

In order for the temperature that rises with endometriosis of the uterus to be measured correctly, certain conditions must be observed. This is important for obtaining reliable data and may facilitate diagnosis.

For measurements, you must use a well-functioning thermometer, it is better to check the accuracy of its readings in advance.
It is necessary to make measurements every morning, including weekends, and preferably at the same time.
Do not eat or drink any drinks before taking measurements.
It is better to leave the thermometer in the evening on the bedside table, as unnecessary movements before measuring the temperature can distort the result. Therefore, it is necessary to exclude even unnecessary hand movements.
A woman's night sleep before the change should last at least 6 hours.
Basal temperature can be measured rectally or vaginally. But you can choose the measurement method only once, and continue in the future as well.
Hold the thermometer for at least 10 minutes.

All obtained values should be recorded in a notebook or notepad. This will help the attending gynecologist to track all the changes and make the correct diagnosis. If any condition was violated, then an appropriate record should be made.

You should also be aware that there are factors that can affect the indicators of basal temperature.

It is necessary to take into account their presence and report them to the gynecologist or mark them in your diary.

Chronic diseases and inflammatory processes.
Taking certain medications.
Change of climate or time zones.
Smoking and drinking alcohol.
Insomnia and lack of sleep.
Shift work schedule including night shifts.
Stress.
Body overheating.

What to do if the basal body temperature starts to rise?

First of all, you should definitely visit a gynecologist and find out the cause of such changes. In this case, the gynecologist will prescribe additional diagnostics and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. Therapy varies depending on the stage of endometriosis, the symptoms that appear, and other factors. In some cases, medical treatment is sufficient, while in other cases, surgical treatment is required.

During the entire course of treatment of endometriosis, it is impossible to use mud therapy, warm up the pelvic area with various methods, take a hot bath and increase body temperature in other ways. All this can lead to complications, such as increased inflammatory processes occurring in the body.

If the value of the basal temperature is unstable, or before the start of menstruation, the indicator decreases slightly, and during the discharge it rises to 38 degrees and above, then all this can signal endometriosis. Therefore, you should visit a gynecologist and undergo all the necessary examinations. After all, timely diagnosis and adequate treatment will help to significantly reduce possible complications from the disease.

Endometriosis is a pathology in which cells similar to those that line the uterine cavity from the inside appear in other places that are completely uncharacteristic of this. There are known cases of the appearance of endometriotic lesions in the area of the scar after removal of the mammary glands, in the brain, on the membranes of the eye.

The resettlement of cells occurs with mechanical trauma to the endometrium. All the causes of the appearance of endometriosis are in no way connected with hormonal fluctuations or the influence on the thermoregulatory center of the brain (it is responsible for maintaining body temperature at a constant level).

There is no release of any pyrogenic (increasing temperature) substances, so the body temperature during endometriosis remains normal, and its changes are associated with other pathological processes.

The basal temperature is the one that is measured at rest. For its correct measurement, it is necessary that a person does not have physical activity for at least 3 hours. Characterizes the intensity of metabolism, its level depends on the concentration of hormones, including sex hormones. Careful measurement, plotting and subsequent analysis reveals some gynecological diseases and conditions.

Rules for measuring basal temperature

But endometriosis is not accompanied by a change in metabolic rate, and the levels of sex hormones may be normal, so basal temperature remains within normal limits. But if endometriosis is combined with other diseases, which often happens, for example, with polycystic, chronic adnexitis, i.e. changes in indicators.

In general, the schedule for this pathology should correspond to the norm and have the following characteristics:

A day or two before ovulation, due to an increase in the LH level of the pituitary gland, there is a slight drop in the temperature level on the curve, usually by no more than half a degree.
Then there is a sharp jump in temperature, after which it is held until the onset of menstruation at a certain level - just above 37 degrees.
With the onset of critical days, it falls again.

Basal body temperature (BT) chart

To obtain reliable figures for basal temperature, it is necessary to observe all the nuances of measurements and make corrections and notes in case of violation of the regime or in the presence of special circumstances.

Higher temperatures in uterine endometriosis can be obtained with the simultaneous presence of other diseases, not even related to the genitals. Anyway detection of permanent subfebrile and especially high numbers should be the reason for a visit to the doctor.

The most common combinations of endometriosis and pathologies with subfebrile temperature are as follows:

Infectious intestinal diseases. Some of them may be accompanied by either a periodic increase in temperature, or constant subfebrile numbers.
brain tumors

Temperature above 37.5 in 9 out of 10 cases - the answer to inflammation in some organ. Endometriosis cannot give such high temperature numbers, only as a complication of ongoing manipulations. For example, endometritis after diagnostic curettage or abortion, inflammation of the endometrioid ovarian cyst and abscess formation, and some others.

Read more in our article on temperature in endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a pathology in which cells similar to those that line the uterine cavity from the inside appear in other places that are completely uncharacteristic for this: on the genitals and not even on the serous cover of the intestine, on the peritoneum, liver, etc. There are known cases of the appearance of endometriotic lesions in the area of the scar after removal of the mammary glands, in the brain, on the membranes of the eye.

Cell settlement occurs during mechanical trauma to the endometrium (for example, after curettage, caesarean section, removal of fibroids, etc.), when menstrual blood is thrown into the fallopian tubes during critical days and then into the abdominal cavity. Tissues can get to other places through the lymphatic and blood vessels, where they take root. There are also other theories of the occurrence of pathology ̶ violation of embryogenesis, cell degeneration, and others.

Thus, all the causes of the appearance of endometriosis are in no way connected with hormonal fluctuations or influence on the thermoregulatory center of the brain (it is responsible for maintaining body temperature at a constant level). There is no release of any pyrogenic (increasing temperature) substances, so the body temperature in endometriosis remains normal and its changes are associated with other pathological processes.

Basal temperature in pathology

Basal temperature is the temperature at rest. For its correct measurement, it is necessary that a person does not have physical activity for at least 3 hours. Basal temperature characterizes the intensity of metabolism, its level depends on the concentration of hormones, including sex hormones.

Careful measurement, scheduling and subsequent analysis reveals some gynecological diseases and conditions, such as inflammation in the appendages, lack of ovulation, insufficiency of the second phase of the cycle.

Endometriosis is not accompanied by a change in the metabolic rate, and the levels of sex hormones may be normal, so the basal body temperature remains within the normal range. The exception is situations when endometriosis is combined with other diseases, which often happens, for example, with, and others.

Normal basal temperature (BT) chart

In general, the schedule for this pathology should correspond to the norm and have the following characteristics:

In the first phase of the cycle, from the 1st to the 14th days, the basal temperature is approximately at the same level and does not reach 37 degrees.
A day or two before ovulation, due to an increase in the LH level of the pituitary gland, there is a slight drop in the temperature level on the curve, usually no more than half a degree.
Then there is a sharp jump in temperature, after which it is held until the onset of menstruation at a certain level, slightly above 37 degrees.
With the onset of critical days, it falls again, a new cycle begins.

Expert opinion

Daria Shirochina (obstetrician-gynecologist)

To obtain reliable figures for basal temperature, which affects the interpretation of the results, it is necessary to observe all the nuances of measurements and make corrections, notes in case of violation of the regime or in the presence of special circumstances.

Why a woman with uterine endometriosis may have a fever

Higher temperatures in uterine endometriosis can be obtained with the simultaneous presence of other diseases, not even associated with the genitals. In any case, the detection of permanent subfebrile and especially high numbers should be the reason for a visit to the doctor for a thorough additional examination.

Subfebrile

May be associated with many conditions. The most common combinations of endometriosis and pathologies that are accompanied by subfebrile temperature are as follows:

Inflammation of an ovarian cyst, including endometrial nature. Additionally, the girl will note the appearance of pulling or severe pain in the lower abdomen, weakness, lethargy. With the progression of inflammation, signs of peritonitis may develop - involvement of internal organs in the process of the abdominal cover, which is dangerous for a woman's life and requires immediate surgical treatment.
Thyroid diseases. It is believed that the development of endometriosis is based on a change in the immune response. Therefore, cells can settle and take root in places unusual for them. Some pathologies of the immune origin of the thyroid gland may be accompanied by its hyperfunction, and then depletion (for example, autoimmune thyroiditis).

In the first phase, the girl will notice the appearance of a low, but constantly elevated body temperature, sweating, a feeling of heat, irritability.

Some of them may be accompanied by either a periodic increase in temperature, or constant subfebrile figures.

brain tumors. They are rare, an increase in temperature is possible with the localization of formations near the thermoregulatory center of the hypothalamus.

Above 37.5

Such high temperature readings should not leave any doubt that some serious processes are taking place in the female body. In 9 out of 10 cases, this is a response to inflammation in some organ, including the genitals.

By itself, endometriosis cannot give such high temperature numbers, only as a complication of the ongoing manipulations. For example, endometritis after diagnostic curettage or abortion, inflammation of the endometrioid ovarian cyst and abscess formation, and some others. Only a specialist will be able to understand the situation and prescribe competent treatment.

Endometriosis is a mystery disease. Currently, only a few facts about the pathology are known, on which the treatment is based. Endometriosis is not accompanied by an increase in body temperature, including basal. However, complications against the background of the disease can provoke hyperthermia. If you have complaints, you should consult a doctor for examination and treatment.

Useful video

Watch this video about the symptoms and treatment of endometriosis:

Can the temperature rise with endometriosis? If you regularly measure the basal temperature, then with its help you can detect endometriosis long before the first symptoms of the disease appear, such as dysmenorrhea and heavy periods. It is measured in the anus. Its increase in the absence of pathology is typical only for pregnancy, when it is excluded, then a high basal temperature most likely indicates the development of endometriosis.

To get accurate results about your health, you need to know how to take measurements correctly. This should be done for several months in order to build a graph of basal temperature, which will allow you to assess the state of the reproductive system.

To get accurate results, you must follow the following rules:

measurements are taken while lying in bed every morning immediately after waking up;
the duration of night sleep should be at least 5 hours;
the procedure must be carried out at the same time;
measurements are taken with the same thermometer, before measurement it is necessary
make sure it is correct;
before the procedure, you can not eat or drink;
measurement time can vary from 5 to 10 minutes;
in the evening, you need to put the thermometer so that you can get it without getting out of bed and without making sudden movements, only in this case it is possible to obtain accurate results.

The obtained values \u200b\u200bmust be recorded in a diary and, based on them, a graph of basal temperature is built.

There are many factors that can affect the result. A change in basal temperature is possible due to:

diseases of internal organs, including inflammatory nature;
stress
overheating, increased body temperature.
drinking alcohol and smoking;
sliding shift schedule;
taking medications;
change of time zones;
insomnia.

Changes

When there are no pathologies in the body, the basal temperature changes as follows:

during menstrual bleeding, it smoothly drops 37 to 36.5-36.3 degrees;
such indicators persist until the middle of the cycle;
during ovulation, when maturation occurs and the release of the egg, it rises to 37.1-37.3 degrees, such indicators are observed within 3 days;
in the second phase of the cycle, another temperature jump is observed up to 37-37.5 degrees, such indicators persist for 12-14 days;
3-4 days before menstruation, the temperature keeps from 36.9 to 37 degrees.

Due to changes in hormone levels during the monthly cycle, the temperature jump between the follicular and luteal phases should be at least 0.4 degrees.

The basal temperature chart for endometriosis looks different. It is possible to suspect the development of the disease if, by the end of the cycle, the temperature drops, on the first day of menstrual bleeding it rises to 37 degrees, then rises to 38 and above, and returns to normal by the end of menstruation.

In any case, such indicators indicate the development of pathology, it may not necessarily be endometriosis, but, for example, an infection or inflammation, and in any case, you need to see a doctor, especially if the following symptoms are observed: