Question 1

What is Endometriosis?

Accepted Answer

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing chronic pelvic pain and fertility problems. It is caused by excessive estrogen stimulation, which fuels the growth of endometrial tissue in abnormal locations like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic cavity. The Estrogens (Total), Serum test is the most important test for monitoring endometriosis because it measures the hormone levels that drive tissue growth.

Question 2

What causes endometriosis?

Accepted Answer

Endometriosis is caused by excessive estrogen production, which stimulates tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow outside the uterus in places like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic cavity. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, retrograde menstruation (when menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes), immune system dysfunction, and genetic factors all contribute to the development of this condition. High estrogen levels fuel the growth and inflammation of this misplaced tissue, leading to the painful symptoms associated with endometriosis.

Question 3

What is the best test for endometriosis?

Accepted Answer

The Estrogens (Total), Serum test is the most important blood test for endometriosis because it measures the hormone levels that directly fuel tissue growth outside the uterus. Elevated estrogen stimulates the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue, and tracking these levels helps guide treatment decisions, especially for hormone-based therapies. The CA-125 (Ovarian Cancer Test) is also valuable for monitoring endometriosis, as this protein marker can be elevated when endometrial-like tissue is actively growing and causing inflammation in the body. While blood tests cannot definitively diagnose endometriosis (laparoscopic surgery remains the gold standard), these tests are essential for monitoring disease activity and assessing treatment effectiveness.

Question 4

When should I get tested for endometriosis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience severe menstrual cramps that interfere with daily activities, chronic pelvic pain that lasts beyond your period, painful intercourse, or difficulty getting pregnant after trying for several months. Other red flags include painful bowel movements or urination during menstruation, heavy periods with large clots, and persistent lower back pain during your cycle. Getting tested early helps you understand your hormone levels and identify any elevated markers that might indicate active endometrial tissue growth, allowing you to start appropriate treatment before the condition worsens.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

Accepted Answer

Endometriosis causes severe menstrual cramps that often worsen over time, chronic pelvic pain that persists even between periods, and pain during or after sex. You might experience painful bowel movements or urination during menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding with large clots, and persistent fatigue. Many women with endometriosis also struggle with infertility, digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea during periods, and lower back pain that radiates down the legs.

Question 6

Who is at risk for endometriosis?

Accepted Answer

Women who have never given birth, those who started menstruating early (before age 11), or have short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days) face higher risk for endometriosis. A family history of endometriosis significantly increases your chances, as do conditions that increase estrogen exposure like never using hormonal birth control. Women with heavy periods lasting more than seven days, low body weight, and reproductive tract abnormalities are also at increased risk for developing this condition.

Question 7

What happens if endometriosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated endometriosis leads to chronic inflammation that creates scar tissue and adhesions, which can bind your pelvic organs together and cause severe pain. The condition progressively damages the ovaries and fallopian tubes, significantly reducing fertility and potentially causing permanent infertility. Endometrial tissue can form ovarian cysts called endometriomas that may require surgical removal, and the constant inflammation increases your risk of developing chronic pelvic pain syndrome that persists even after menopause.

Question 8

Can endometriosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Endometriosis cannot be definitively diagnosed with blood tests alone, as laparoscopic surgery with tissue biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis. However, blood tests like the Estrogens (Total), Serum test and CA-125 marker play important supporting roles by measuring hormone levels that fuel tissue growth and detecting elevated protein markers associated with active disease. These tests are valuable for monitoring disease progression, assessing treatment response, and identifying hormonal imbalances that may worsen symptoms, but they should always be interpreted alongside imaging studies and clinical examination.

Question 9

How is endometriosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Endometriosis is treated with hormonal therapies like birth control pills, progestin-only medications, or GnRH agonists that reduce estrogen levels and slow tissue growth. Pain management with anti-inflammatory medications helps control symptoms, while more severe cases may require laparoscopic surgery to remove endometrial implants, cysts, and scar tissue. In extreme cases where other treatments fail, hysterectomy with removal of the ovaries may be considered, though this is typically reserved for women who have completed childbearing and have debilitating symptoms.

Question 10

How can I prevent endometriosis?

Accepted Answer

You cannot completely prevent endometriosis, but you can reduce your risk by maintaining hormonal balance through regular exercise and a healthy body weight. Using hormonal birth control, especially continuously without monthly breaks, helps suppress estrogen levels and may slow the development of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and limiting exposure to environmental toxins that disrupt hormone function may also help lower your risk.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with endometriosis?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies that help manage endometriosis symptoms include regular exercise, which reduces estrogen levels and improves circulation to reduce inflammation and pain. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, combined with plenty of fruits and vegetables, helps reduce the chronic inflammation associated with endometriosis. Heat therapy with heating pads or warm baths provides immediate pain relief, while stress reduction techniques like yoga and meditation help manage the chronic pain cycle by lowering cortisol levels.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Endometriosis Blood Test

What is Endometriosis?

What causes endometriosis?

What is the best test for endometriosis?

When should I get tested for endometriosis?

References

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