Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two conditions that affect the female reproductive system, but differ in the body part involved. Endometriosis involves tissue outside the uterus, causing pain and heavy bleeding, while PCOS affects the ovaries, causing cysts, irregular periods, and infertility. The causes of each condition are also different, with endometriosis possibly caused by menstrual blood backup and immune system problems, and PCOS possibly caused by hormonal abnormalities and genetic factors.
There are many differences between endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). One of the main differences is the body part involved. Endometriosis is basically a condition where the type of tissue that normally lines a woman’s uterus is found outside the uterus; this often causes pain, infertility, and heavy bleeding. PCOS, on the other hand, primarily affects a woman’s ovaries. It is characterized by multiple cysts in a woman’s ovaries and a range of other symptoms, including infertility, acne, weight gain and irregular periods.
A person may be confused about the difference between PCOS and endometriosis because the conditions are similar in several important ways. To begin with, these are conditions that only affect women and cause problems in the female reproductive system. Likewise, both are problems that can cause irregular periods. Additionally, both of these conditions have the potential to cause or contribute to fertility problems in affected women. Beyond this, however, the two conditions are very different.
The main difference between PCOS and endometriosis is the part of the reproductive system that is affected. With PCOS, the problem focuses on the ovaries. Endometriosis, however, involves endometrial tissue that appears outside the uterus and affects other organs in the pelvis. For example, it can grow on the ovaries, but it can also affect a number of other organs. Additionally, tissue can form on the lining of the pelvic cavity and other structures.
Symptoms are another way PCOS and endometriosis are different. Among the most common symptoms of PCOS are small cysts in the ovaries, infertility, acne, irregular periods or absence of periods. Some women with this condition also experience insulin-related problems, elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and weight gain. Symptoms of endometriosis include pain in the pelvis, pain in the lower back, and bowel movement disturbances. Other symptoms may include heavier than normal menstrual bleeding, irregular vaginal bleeding, infertility, and blood in the urine.
Scientists aren’t 100% sure why PCOS and endometriosis occur, but suspected causes differ. For example, scientists think that endometriosis is caused by the backup of menstrual blood in a woman’s pelvis and abdomen. Some also theorize that there are primitive cells in a woman’s pelvis that have the potential to form endometrial tissue. There are also some studies that point to problems with the immune system response as a cause of endometriosis.
Scientists believe that PCOS may be caused by hormonal abnormalities that encourage cyst development and interfere with normal ovulation. Problems with how the body processes blood sugar may also play a role. There may also be a genetic link for women who have PCOS, as women who have the condition often have a close relative who has it.
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