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Endometriosis
and pregnancy
by
Ros Wood
Pregnancy generally leads to an improvement
in endometriosis symptoms, particularly during the latter
months of pregnancy. However, some women experience
a worsening of symptoms, particularly during the first
three months.
It is believed that the beneficial
effects are due to the high levels of progesterone produced
during pregnancy. It is thought that the progesterone
suppresses the growth and development of the endometriosis
lesions, causing them to become less active. The effects
may also be due to the lack of menstruation during pregnancy.
The worsening of symptoms may be due
to the rapid growth of the uterus in the early months
of pregnancy, which may lead to stretching and pulling
of adhesions and tissues that have been scarred by the
endometriosis implants. It may also be due to the high
levels of oestrogen produced during pregnancy. This
may temporarily stimulate the growth of the endometriosis,
leading to a worsening of symptoms.
For most women, the beneficial effects
of pregnancy are only temporary. Many women will experience
a recurrence of their disease and its symptoms within
a few years, and some will experience a recurrence soon
after resuming their periods.
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