A patient who has been experiencing dysmenorrhea has been diagnosed with endometriosis. The patient asks how this condition is responsible for her pain. What information should the nurse include when teaching the patient about the disorder?

Question

1. The endometrial tissue located outside of the uterus responds to the hormones responsible for menstruation.
2. Elevated levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) during menstruation are causing the endometrial tissue to contract, resulting in pain.
3. The shedding of the endometrial lining during menstruation is the cause of the cramping.
4. The loss of blood during the menstrual period is causing a hormonal imbalance that is the underlying cause of the pain.

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. This tissue is responsive to the hormones that control menstruation. The hormonal changes during menstruation are responsible for the inflammation and pain.
Rationale 2: FSH plays a role in the female's reproductive physiology only prior to menstruation.
Rationale 3: Shedding of the endometrial tissue is normal and is not directly responsible for the pain being experienced.
Rationale 4: The blood loss does not cause a hormonal imbalance.