Which of the following is a common symptom of endometriosis?

Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstrual cramps, is indeed a common symptom of endometriosis. This condition occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus, called the endometrium, starts to grow outside the uterus. This can lead to significant pain, especially during menstruation, as the endometrial-like tissue responds to hormonal changes in a similar way to the lining inside the uterus. This can create an inflammatory response, leading to pain and discomfort.

While irregular menstrual cycles and frequent urination can occur in women with endometriosis, they are not as distinctive or common as dysmenorrhea. Irregular cycles can be related to many other factors beyond endometriosis. Frequent urination may occur if the endometrial tissue is located near the bladder but is less commonly presented as a main symptom. Hot flashes are typically associated with hormonal changes and menopause, not endometriosis. Thus, dysmenorrhea stands out as the most characteristic symptom associated with this condition.