Endometriosis is a condition where the cells that normally line the uterus (womb) can move to other parts of the body. During the menstrual cycle the cells that have moved can react in the normal way to the hormones controlling menstruation. This can cause a number of problems including fatigue and pain. Using the information from the graph as well as your own knowledge explain what happens to the cells that have moved and how doctors could treat the condition using sex hormones. – 7614

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1. Oestrogen builds up the lining of the uterus, and progesterone maintains it during the menstrual cycle. When oestrogen levels are high, progesterone levels are low. This means that endometrial cells outside the uterus also build up and break down as normal, but during the breakdown stage, these cells cannot leave the body in the usual way.

   To stop the cells building up, oestrogen levels should be kept low, and progesterone levels kept high. This can be done by giving progesterone as a contraceptive pill. High progesterone levels mimic pregnancy and stop the menstrual cycle, reducing the build-up of these cells.

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