A Look At Women's Health - Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where there are implants of tissue that resemble the cells found in the endometrium (lining of the uterus), outside of the uterus. These cells are stimulated in the same way that the endometrium is monthly, and the same release of blood and inflammatory and other mediators occurs on or within the structures these implants are located. This then triggers a cascade of inflammation and stimulation of nerves and central nervous system which results in a myriad of symptoms that can be cyclic (related to menses) or acyclic (unrelated to menses). The symptoms tend to become progressively worse and involve other organ systems, such as the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, etc. Dr. Laurence Orbuch Medical Director of GYN Laparoscopic Associates in Los Angeles California talks with Mark Alyn on this edition.