According to the Endometriosis Association,
“Endometriosis is a hormonal and immune disease in which tissue like that found in the lining of the uterus, grows outside of the uterus in other parts of the body. Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain and can lead to infertility, hysterectomy, and increased risk of developing certain cancers. Dioxin is directly correlated with an increased incidence of endometriosis, according to a 1992 study [1] on rhesus monkeys exposed to TCDD for four years. The monkeys also showed immune abnormalities similar to those observed in women with endometriosis. Endometriosis affects girls and women from preteen to post-menopause."
It is important to get a diagnosis of Endometriosis early to prevent damage to the reproductive system.
In 1999, Osamu Tsutsumi, Professor of Gynaecology at Tokyo University Hospital, Japan, carried out tests on the effects of dioxin on the human reproductive system, which showed that women tested who were suffering from endometriosis had high levels of dioxin in the body.
References:
[1] Rier, S.E. et al. (1993) "Endometriosis in Rhesus Monkeys (Macada
Mulatta) Following Chronic Exposure to
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin". Fundamental and Applied
Toxicology, vol.21, pp433-441.
Links:
Endometriosis UK
The Endometriosis Association
Endometriosis and Fertility Clinic