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Published on: 8/20/2026

What are the potential causes of endometriosis?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. While the exact cause is unknown, researchers have identified several key factors that may contribute:

  • Genetics: A family history of endometriosis increases your risk.
  • Hormonal imbalances: Estrogen appears to promote the growth of endometrial-like tissue.
  • Immune system dysfunction: A weakened immune response may fail to clear misplaced tissue.
  • Cellular changes: Cells outside the uterus may transform into endometrial-like cells, or tissue may travel through retrograde menstruation.

Because endometriosis symptoms—like pelvic pain, heavy periods, and fatigue—often overlap with other conditions, getting clarity early matters. If you're experiencing symptoms and wondering whether endometriosis could be the cause, taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you better understand what your body may be signaling and guide your next steps—whether that's tracking patterns, preparing for a doctor's visit, or exploring possible conditions. It takes just a few minutes, requires no sign-up, and gives you personalized insights you can act on today.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it. This condition can be caused by a few different things:

  1. Genetic Factors: Some people may inherit genes that make them more likely to get endometriosis.

  2. Hormonal Factors: Hormones, especially estrogen, can play a big role in making endometriosis worse.

  3. Immune System Issues: Problems with the immune system may prevent the body from finding and destroying endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus.

  4. Cell Behavior: Certain cells may change and start acting like endometrial cells outside the uterus.

These factors can work alone or together to cause endometriosis, making it a complex condition to understand. If you're experiencing symptoms that concern you, Ubie's free AI symptom checker can help you understand what might be causing them and guide you toward appropriate next steps. Scientists continue to study these causes to find better ways to treat or prevent endometriosis.

(References)

  • Bulun SE, Yilmaz BD, Sison C, Miyazaki K, Bernardi L, Liu S, et al. (2019). Endometriosis. Endocrine reviews, 30994890.

  • Cousins FL, McKinnon BD, Mortlock S, Fitzgerald HC, Zhang C, Montgomery GW, & Gargett CE. (2023). New concepts on the etiology of endometriosis. The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research, 36746607.

  • Lamceva J, Uljanovs R, & Strumfa I. (2023). The Main Theories on the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis. International journal of molecular sciences, 36901685.

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