Frequently asked questions

No, not for definite. Symptoms and their timing may raise suspicion, but chest pain, breathlessness and pneumothorax have many possible causes. Diagnosis requires assessment by appropriate healthcare professionals and may involve review of imaging, operative findings and tissue samples, alongside clinical history.

No. Episodes may not occur with every cycle, and timing may vary. Hormonal treatment, irregular cycles, menopause or previous surgery can make patterns harder to recognise. Tell your clinician what you have observed.

Thoracic endometriosis and catamenial pneumothorax are reported more often on the right side, but left-sided and bilateral disease can occur.

Thoracic and pelvic endometriosis can occur together, but known pelvic endometriosis is not required before thoracic disease is considered. Pelvic disease may also be present without having been diagnosed.

Yes, endometriosis can affect either surface of the diaphragm: the abdominal surface underneath or the thoracic surface facing the chest. It may affect one surface without involving the other.

When the underside of the diaphragm is affected, there may be additional symptoms such as nausea, hiccups, or pain under the ribs or in the upper abdomen.

Imaging is essential for detecting a pneumothorax and other urgent chest conditions, but endometriosis deposits may not be visible.

Imaging can’t rule out endometriosis for definite. It is possible to have normal, or clear, scans but endometriosis still be present.

No, not necessarily. Recurrent pneumothorax has other possible causes. Thoracic endometriosis is one important consideration when the history, timing and individual context support it. Recurrent episodes deserve appropriate specialist assessment regardless of the cause. Clinicians may use assessments to rule out other causes.

No. We provide general information and advocacy. We do not provide diagnostic services, image review, individual clinical advice, referrals or treatment recommendations.

No. Referrals must be made through the relevant clinical pathway. Our appointment guide may help you organise your history and questions for your medical team.