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You suspect you may have endometriosis or adenomyosis

Diaphragmatic endometriosis vs anxiety/asthma: what symptoms fit?

Topic:Deep Disease
Affected areas:chestabdominalsystemic
An illustration of 3 silhouetted women each showing discomfort in areas of the pelvis.

The most telling clue that shortness of breath may be related to diaphragmatic endometriosis is a consistent, reproducible pattern with your menstrual cycle—symptoms that flare predictably and then ease. Many patients describe pain with deep breaths, a sharp ache under the ribs, or chest tightness that feels different from a typical asthma pattern, and some notice referred pain to the shoulder or neck.


Anxiety can understandably show up when breathing feels difficult, but a cyclical, monthly pattern deserves a thorough evaluation of possible endometriosis involvement rather than being written off. If this sounds familiar, our team can help assess your full symptom pattern and discuss whether advanced surgical evaluation and mapping may be appropriate as part of complex endometriosis care.

Is Your Breathing Linked to Endometriosis?

If your chest pain and shortness of breath flare with your cycle, our specialists can help determine if diaphragmatic endometriosis is the cause. We provide expert evaluation to distinguish these symptoms from asthma or anxiety and guide your care.

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Have a question?

Dr. Steven Vasilev delivers best-in-class endometriosis guidance and a personalized treatment plan—built on evidence and your unique biology.


Led by Steven Vasilev, MD—an internationally recognized endometriosis specialist & MIGS surgeon—Lotus Endometriosis Institute is virtual-forward, with many patients traveling nationally for care. Clinical evaluation and surgical treatment are provided in California.

Santa Monica, CA

2121 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Operating Hours

8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday - Friday

Arroyo Grande, CA

154 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420