According to the NIH, a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis can only be done through laparoscopy surgery, wherein a doctor inserts a laparoscope into the abdominal region to check for endometrial tissue.

Doctors can also make presumptive diagnoses based on patient history, imaging tests, and physical exams. 

A person may also begin treatment for endometriosis even without a definitive diagnosis via laparoscopy.

The following tests may also be conducted to rule out other conditions:

While most of the symptoms differ between the two conditions, some fertility-related symptoms may overlap, as well as how a woman experiences menstruation.

For example, a woman with PCOS often has irregular or missing periods, which may cause her to have very heavy bleeding when a period does occur. 

This may cause confusion, as heavy bleeding is likewise an endometriosis symptom.

Other overlapping symptoms may include pelvic pain, painful periods, irritable bowel syndrome, and pelvic inflammatory disease. 

Both conditions may also cause infertility and make it challenging to conceive.

The main difference, fertility-wise, is that PCOS is more of a hormonal problem. 

In contrast, endometriosis is more of a physical problem because there’s an obstruction (like an overgrown lining or cysts).

As such, endometriosis may be addressed with fertility treatment and the removal of tissues outside of the uterus to avoid miscarriage. 

However, a much more holistic and collaborative approach is necessary with PCOS since it affects multiple body systems.

As such, women with PCOS may do well to work with a team of professionals other than their gynecologist. 

These include an endocrinologist, nutritionist, and dermatologist.

It’s crucial to determine whether one has PCOS, endometriosis, or both, as this will significantly affect the treatment needed to improve a person’s well-being.

Additionally, different treatments are required to address pain and infertility linked with the two conditions. 

For instance, because endometriosis is often associated with caused by high estrogen levels, doctors may will likely focus on estrogen reduction and pain management.

With PCOS, high androgens will be the main drivers of infertility and underdeveloped oocyst formation, so the focus will be on reducing androgens and managing blood sugar levels.

Studies show that women with PCOS experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than the general population.

 This is an area that women’s health advocates are also calling for more focus and research on, as support and understanding is needed to help sufferers manage the emotional and psychological effects of the condition.

The psychological effects of endometriosis have also been studied, and it has been identified that, in most cases, the manifold symptoms of the condition cause severe psychosocial effects in women with it. 

It has been cited as a “disabling condition” which may affect a person’s sexuality, mental health, and social relationships.

In addition to medical guidance and treatment, women with PCOS and endometriosis are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle and support bodily functions through natural supplements.

Both PCOS and endometriosis sufferers can take supplements to help alleviate symptoms, increase fertility, and improve their quality of life. 

Curated, high-quality supplements like Nourished Natural Health’s supplement line for women with PCOS, for example, is a great way to supplement according to one’s specific PCOS type.