General
Is endometriosis an autoimmune disease?
The short answer
No, endometriosis is not currently classified as an autoimmune disease. It often involves chronic inflammation and changes in how the immune system responds to endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, and some patients also have autoimmune conditions.
No, endometriosis is not currently classified as an autoimmune disease. Still, it often involves immune system dysregulation, including chronic inflammation and changes in how the body responds to endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus.
Because of these immune features, some patients with endometriosis also have autoimmune conditions, and overlapping symptoms can make the picture less clear. If you’re dealing with persistent pelvic pain and systemic symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, rashes, or gastrointestinal changes, our team can help sort out what may be driven by endometriosis versus a coexisting condition and plan an appropriate evaluation.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Step 3 · Speak with Us
Wonder if It's More Than Endometriosis?
Endometriosis isn’t an autoimmune disease, but immune system changes can complicate your symptoms. Our specialists can help differentiate your symptoms and create a personalized care plan.
Questions people ask next
All general questionsAutoimmune conditions that coexist with endometriosis: when to test?
Persistent fatigue out of proportion to sleep, heat or cold intolerance, chronic diarrhea, joint pain with swelling or morning stiffness, or dry eyes or mouth warrant a closer look for autoimmune conditions. Testing is based on your symptoms, often starting with thyroid and celiac screening.
Do autoimmune medications help endometriosis symptoms?
Autoimmune medications can sometimes indirectly reduce fatigue or generalized pain by calming systemic inflammation from an autoimmune condition. They do not remove endometriosis lesions and typically don’t address endometriosis-specific symptoms.
Why do people with endometriosis often have other conditions?
The genetics, inflammation and immune-system problems involved in endometriosis may also make the body more prone to other inflammation-related or immune-associated conditions. Endometriosis can involve multiple organs, so symptoms may reflect more than one process.
Can endometriosis cause arthritis-like joint pain?
Yes, endometriosis can be associated with arthritis-like joint pain in some people. Whole-body inflammation may show up as aching or stiffness, but the association does not prove causation, and persistent joint pain deserves evaluation for other conditions.
Further reading
Endometriosis and Autoimmune Disease: Understanding the Link
Explore how immune dysfunction may link endometriosis to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, RA, thyroid disease, celiac, MS, and IBD - evidence and care.
The Overlap Between Lupus and Endometriosis
Explore the link between lupus (SLE) and endometriosis: outcomes, key results, clinical implications, and priorities for future research.
Mast Cells May Be Fueling Your Endometriosis Inflammation
Discover how mast cells might be contributing to your endometriosis inflammation. Learn about potential future treatments and symptom management.
