8/31/2023 0 Comments Endometriosis foods to avoidThis could be because certain foods can help control inflammation and influence levels of certain hormones (estrogen and prostaglandins). However, small studies and patient reports suggest that certain diet strategies can help reduce disease risk and lessen symptoms. No diet has been proven to treat endometriosis either. The condition is commonly treated with surgery, hormone therapy, and medications. It’s similar in many ways to autoimmune disease, although it’s not considered to be one at this time. Summary: Endometriosis is likely caused by a combination of genetic, immunological, physiological, and environmental risk factors. It’s an emerging area of research that will likely be explored in greater depth in coming years. These similarities have many experts asking whether endometriosis should be classified as an autoimmune disease instead. There’s also a strong overlap between endometriosis and other autoimmune conditions, like celiac disease and Graves’ disease ( 15, 16, 17, 18). ![]() Recent research also suggests the immune system could greatly influence disease onset and severity.Īutoimmune disease develops when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.Įndometriosis shares several key features with autoimmune disease, including systemic inflammation and the presence of autoantibodies. Oxidative stress can be caused by exposure to chemicals and pollutants, stress, and other stimuli including the process of ageing itself ( 14). It’s a term that describes cellular damage from molecules called free radicals. Oxidative stress appears to be a key one. However, these are just theories for now, and it seems other factors likely play a role as well. Lymphovascular trafficking, which is the spread of endometrial implants through the lymphatic system. ![]() Similarly, it’s been proposed that stem cells and bone marrow cells might change into endometrial implants ( 6, 13). Coelomic metaplasia, which occurs cells in the abdominal lining mutate into endometrial implants through a series of reactions in the body.Nearly all women experience some degree of retrograde menstruation, but it’s been suggested that a higher volume of blood enters the abdomen in women with endometriosis ( 12). From there, the cells can implant into the abdominal lining and onto the organs, causing inflammation and scarring ( 11). One of the most common theories is retrograde menstruation, which occurs when endometrial cells and menstrual blood travel upward via the fallopian tubes. Other factors appear to increase the likelihood of endometriosis. However, not everyone with a family history will develop the disease. In fact, studies have found that a woman’s risk increases by up to 7 times if her mother or sister has it ( 10). Endometriosis CausesĮndometriosis is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, physiologic, immune, and environmental factors ( 9). Symptoms include pain, heavy menstruation, digestive distress, fatigue, and bloating. Summary: Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women and causes tissue that’s normally found in the uterus to build up in other parts of the body. ![]() It’s most common in men who’ve received estrogen therapy to treat prostate cancer ( 8). Interestingly, cases of endometriosis have also been reported in men, but this is incredibly rare. Up to half of affected women also struggle with infertility, but it’s not known whether endometriosis causes infertility or is just associated with it ( 6, 7). It’s typically seen in women of childbearing age, but symptoms may persist into menopause or after hysterectomy if estrogen levels are high enough ( 4, 5). The condition affects up to 10% of women. Digestive Distress ( constipation, diarrhea, or nausea).Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea).However, most women experience symptoms that significantly affect quality of life, including: In fact, it’s often discovered during medical tests or surgeries for other conditions ( 3). Some women with endometriosis have no symptoms.
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