Diagnosing Endometriosis

Diagnosing endometriosis is not an easy diagnosis to make. Such a diagnosis needs to be determined by your doctor or gynaecologist.

A combination of a thorough case history, a look at risk factors, physical examination, ultrasound and blood tests will assist in diagnosing this condition.


diagnosing endometriosis

Medical Testing for Endometriosis

Your doctor or specialist such as a gynaecologist use a variety of medical testing for the diagnosis including:

  • Assessment – case history and signs and symptoms
  • Physical examination – endometriosis has the characteristic appearance of ‘chocolate cysts’ as they contain a thick brownish fluid, which is mostly old blood
  • Ultrasound & magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Laparoscopy or keyhole surgery -this also allows for surgical treatment of endometriosis
  • Biopsy.


Recommended Naturopathic Testing

In addition to what your doctor/gynaecologist tests, your naturopath may also consider the following tests to obtain a good understanding of the hormone levels. This can help tailor your prescription to your hormone health needs.

  • Saliva Adrenal Hormone test measuring cortisol and DHEA
  • Saliva female hormone panel including estrone, estradiol, estriol, progesterone, and testosterone
  • Serum (blood) expanded female hormonal panel, including testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH) to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio
  • Glucose tolerance test
  • Thyroid panel
  • Blood lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides).


Case History Questioning

A typical case history taken should include questions such as:

  • Age of menarche?
  • Duration of the menstrual bleed (period)?
  • The colour of the blood loss?
  • How much blood loss (i.e. sanitary pad saturation - how often do you need to change)?
  • Any clots?
  • Pain - when does it begin? How intense is it? Where does it radiate from? Is there any bowel pain?
  • Any thrush or urinary tract infections associated endometriosis?


Risk Factors

The following risk factors need to be considered when diagnosing endometriosis.

  • Age
  • Social class and race
  • Menstrual and reproductive factors
  • Family history
  • Genetic factors
  • Dioxin exposure
  • Tampon use
  • Immune Factors




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