Can a hysteroscopy detect endo?

[MrsMouseSJ]

Hello. I am due to undergo a hysteroscopy - to take samples of my womb lining, possibly for a scope to be introduced for doctors to have a visual 'look around', to remove fibroids and to fit a Mirena coil - as I have been having pains and a lot of brown, old blood pre-period and then exceptionally heavy periods.

Can a hysteroscopy detect any signs of endometriosis? I had meant to ask the gynae but after an unsuccessful conscious gynae procedure developed severe migraine and everything went out of my head.

Thanks for any help.

[confusedandworried]

Hi, endometriosis doesn't grow inside the uterus so a hysteroscopy wouldn't be used to detect endo.

However there is a similar condition to endo called Adenomyosis which grows within the uterus walls and can be detected through hysteroscopy. Adenomyosis is often referred to as the "cousin" of endo.

Symptoms for adeno can include: heavy and/or erratic or prolonged periods, nausea, headaches, sciatic pain, frequent urination, severe cramps similar to menstrual camps which can be present any/all of the month, abdominal pressure & bloating, painful sex, constipation, diarrhoea, fatigue & an enlarged, bulky &/or tender uterus.

Sometimes a biopsy is taken during hysteroscopy in an attempt to diagnose adeno or indeed other conditions such as fibroids or endometrial polyps.

With regards to adeno unfortunately sometimes even a biopsy won't provide conclusive evidence of adeno as the biopsy taken is very small. If adeno is diffused within the uterus walls then it's a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. As such it is not uncommon for a diagnosis to be made based upon a woman's symptoms fitting alone.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes

[MrsMouseSJ in reply to confusedandworried]

Thank you confusedandworried, that's very useful. I hadn't heard of adenomyosis before. If a woman has it, does that make her more susceptible to endo too?

[confusedandworried in reply to MrsMouseSJ]

Hi, good question and one without a straight answer I'm afraid. I've read research that says it's common for women with endo to also have adeno but I've also read research that says its rare!

It's apparently more common for women between 40 & 50. I'm 39 and have heard of women younger than me suffering from it so am unconvinced this is true - rather it's probably like endo and goes undiagnosed for years. Unfortunately adeno (like endo) can mimic other conditions so I think often everything else has to be ruled out first.

Best wishes, x

[MrsMouseSJ]

Thanks for your help, confusedandworried. I'm 44 but I suspect I've had gynae issues for years, simply too low under the radar to attract the attention of GPs when I've mentioned them.

Best to you, too!