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Discover Women's Health Research

Endometriosis Overview

Overview

Endometriosis and Women's Health

Endometriosis is a common health problem for women who menstruate.1 In women with endometriosis, patches of tissue that resemble the endometrium are found outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries or the fallopian tubes.2 These endometrium-like tissues can also grow in other places, such as in the bladder or lungs.3 , 4

Women with endometriosis often experience severe pain, and the condition is sometimes associated with infertility. Endometriosis may also cause irregular menstrual cycles. It is currently unclear what causes endometriosis.2

NIH Research Highlight

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is a key organization for research on endometriosis at NIH. Several divisions within NICHD are working to better understand the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of endometriosis.5 Within the Division of Extramural Research, the Gynecologic Health and Disease Branch and the Fertility and Infertility Branch are investigating ways to improve women’s reproductive health, including studying the normal function of the endometrium and the causes of gynecological disorders like endometriosis. In addition, the Endometriosis: Natural History, Diagnosis, and Outcomes (ENDO) study allowed researchers in the Division of Population Health Research to assess the role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in endometriosis.6

References

  1. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Endometriosis and women's health. U.S. Government Printing Office; 2024. Accessed December 30, 2024. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2024-03/NICHDendometriosis2024_Final508.pdf
  2. Endometriosis. Office on Women's Health. Updated February 22, 2021. Accessed December 30, 2024. https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis
  3. Yao J, Zheng H, Nie H, Li CF, Zhang W, Wang JJ. Endometriosis of the lung: a case report and review of literature. World J Clin Cases. 2023;11(18):4326–4333.
  4. Hilaris GE, Payne CK, Osias J, Cannon W, Nezhat CR. Synchronous rectovaginal, urinary bladder, and pulmonary endometriosis. JSLS. 2005;9(1):78-82.
  5. NICHD endometriosis research information. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Updated August 27, 2024. Accessed December 30, 2024. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/endometri/researchinfo
  6. EB research: Endometriosis: Natural History, Diagnosis, and Outcomes (ENDO) study. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Updated February 21, 2023. Accessed December 30, 2024. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/org/dir/dph/officebranch/eb/endometriosis

Learn More About NIH Resources for Endometriosis Research

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Scientific Literature

Health Topic Summary

Last updated: 06/16/2025