Deep Disease
Can endometriosis affect the diaphragm or lungs?
The short answer
Yes, endometriosis can affect the diaphragm and, more rarely, the chest cavity or lungs. Symptoms often follow a menstrual pattern and can include right-sided chest or upper abdominal pain, shoulder pain, and pain with deep breathing or coughing.
Yes. While endometriosis is usually confined to the pelvis, it can also involve the upper abdomen, especially the diaphragm, and, more rarely, extend into the chest cavity or lungs (often grouped under “thoracic endometriosis syndrome”). The diaphragm is one of the more common non-pelvic locations, and involvement tends to be on the right side.
When endometriosis affects the diaphragm or chest, symptoms often follow a menstrual pattern and can include right-sided chest or upper abdominal pain, shoulder or arm pain, and pain with deep breathing or coughing. In rare cases, it may contribute to shortness of breath, recurrent lung collapse around periods (catamenial pneumothorax), fluid or blood around the lung, or coughing up blood.
Diagnosis can be challenging because imaging may not clearly show endometriosis even when symptoms are real and cyclical. In our practice, we take these symptoms seriously and plan evaluation with the whole picture in mind. This often includes careful surgical inspection of the diaphragm during endometriosis surgery and coordination with thoracic surgery when there’s concern that the disease may be inside the chest. If you’re noticing cyclical chest, shoulder, or breathing symptoms, reach out to our team so we can help you connect the dots and plan next steps.
Where to go from here
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Is Your Chest Pain Linked to Endometriosis?
Endometriosis can affect the diaphragm and lungs, causing specific pain patterns related to your menstrual cycle. Our specialists are here to diagnose and treat deep disease symptoms accurately.
Questions people ask next
All deep disease questionsIs my shoulder or chest pain from diaphragmatic endometriosis?
Diaphragmatic endometriosis can cause shoulder or chest pain that tends to be cyclical and frequently right-sided, flaring before or during your period. Many non-gynecologic causes can also explain this pain, especially if it’s left-sided or not tied to your cycle.
Can endometriosis cause shortness of breath during your period?
Yes, endometriosis can cause shortness of breath that worsens around your period, most often when it involves the diaphragm and, more rarely, the chest cavity. Symptoms flare before or during bleeding and ease afterward, but breathlessness can also have other causes.
Diaphragmatic endometriosis vs anxiety/asthma: what symptoms fit?
Shortness of breath that predictably flares and eases with your menstrual cycle may be related to diaphragmatic endometriosis. Other clues include pain with deep breaths, a sharp ache under the ribs, chest tightness, or shoulder or neck pain.
Is thoracic endometriosis dangerous?
Thoracic endometriosis can be dangerous in certain situations, especially when it leads to recurrent lung collapse or significant shortness of breath. With thorough evaluation and coordinated treatment, many patients achieve strong symptom control and fewer recurrences.
Further reading
Diaphragmatic Endometriosis: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Learn what diaphragmatic endometriosis is, how it affects the diaphragm, key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, treatments, and potential complications.
Thoracic Endometriosis: Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Chest pain or shortness of breath during your period? Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome is a rare but serious condition often missed for years. Learn the signs.
When Endometriosis Affects Your Lungs, What Can Help?
Discover the rare thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES), its symptoms, and effective treatment options for lung-related endometriosis.
