Endometriosis
Overview
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium-like tissue) grows outside the uterus, affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding pelvic structures. This misplaced tissue responds to hormonal changes, leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and scarring. While endometriosis has not been classified as an autoimmune condition, its inflammatory nature appears to contribute to immune system imbalances and has been linked to an increased risk of autoimmune diseases.
Common Symptoms
Excessive menstrual cramps, pain during sexual intercourse, abnormal or heavy menstrual flow, infertility, painful urination or bowel movements during menstrual periods, and chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis.
Coexisting Diseases and Conditions
Fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer.
Studies have also shown that having endometriosis may increase the risk of also having autoimmune diseases such as SLE, Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroid disorder, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), and Addison’s disease.
Risk Factors and Prevalence
Endometriosis typically affects females who are of reproductive age (18-45). A positive family history of the disease is another risk factor. Studies have found that females are also more likely to develop endometriosis if they start their period at an earlier age or if they have shorter menstrual cycles.
Recent Research
- The genetic basis of endometriosis and comorbidity with other pain and inflammatory conditions (2023)
- Endometriosis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (2023)
- The risk of endometriosis by early menarche is recently increased: a meta-analysis of literature published from 2000 to 2020 (2023)
- Is there an association between endometriosis and thyroid autoimmunity? (2023)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls and the risk of endometriosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis (2023)
- Food groups and nutrients consumption and risk of endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (2022)
Sources
- Article Sources
Endometriosis. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2021, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/endometriosis
Nnoaham, K. E., Webster, P., Kumbang, J., Kennedy, S. H., & Zondervan, K. T. (2012). Is early age at menarche a risk factor for endometriosis? A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies. Fertility and Sterility, 98(3), 702-712.e6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.05.035
Nouri, K., Ott, J., Krupitz, B., Huber, J. C., & Wenzl, R. (2010). Family incidence of endometriosis in first-, second-, and third-degree relatives: Case-control study. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology : RB&E, 8, 85. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-8-85
Shigesi, N., Kvaskoff, M., Kirtley, S., Feng, Q., Fang, H., Knight, J. C., Missmer, S. A., Rahmioglu, N., Zondervan, K. T., & Becker, C. M. (2019). The association between endometriosis and autoimmune diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Human Reproduction Update, 25(4), 486–503. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmz014
Wei, M., Cheng, Y., Bu, H., Zhao, Y., & Zhao, W. (2016). Length of Menstrual Cycle and Risk of Endometriosis. Medicine, 95(9), e2922. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000002922