Abstract
2/2022
vol. 21
Review paper
Impact of lifestyle and diet on endometriosis: a fresh look to a busy corner
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Francois Quesnay Hospital, Mantes-La-Jolie, France
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Gynecology Department, George Washington University, Washington, United States of America
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Beaujon Teaching Hospital, Clichy and Paris Diderot University, Clichy, France
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti (AOOR) Villa Sofia Cervello, IVF Public Center, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
Menopause Rev 2022; 21(2): 124-132
Online publish date: 2022/05/26
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder with a prevalence of six to ten percent in women of childbearing age. As long as the aetiology of endometriosis is not fully understood and the disease has no definitive treatment, an examination of the environmental factors or interventions that could modify or cure endometriosis would greatly benefit women suffering from this chronic condition.
This literature review utilized the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE until February 2021. Studies indicate that fish oil may have a positive effect on reducing endometriosis-related pain due to the effects of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins derived from omega-3 fatty acids. The same effect was seen with the introduction of antioxidant vitamins C, D, and E. There is clinical viability of a low fermentable oligo-, di-, and mono-saccharides and polyols diet to successfully reduce the symptoms of patients who suffer from both endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome. Despite the low level of evidence, there are frequent associations between endometriosis and gastrointestinal conditions in addition to the influence of various nutritional factors on the disease.
The management of endometriosis requires a holistic approach focused on reducing overall inflammation, increasing detoxification, and attenuating troublesome symptoms. A dietician may provide great benefit in the management of these patients, especially at younger ages and in early stages. High-level evidence and well-designed randomized studies are lacking when it comes to studying the effect of lifestyle and dietary intake on endometriosis. Inarguably, further research with a more extensive focus is needed.
This literature review utilized the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE until February 2021. Studies indicate that fish oil may have a positive effect on reducing endometriosis-related pain due to the effects of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins derived from omega-3 fatty acids. The same effect was seen with the introduction of antioxidant vitamins C, D, and E. There is clinical viability of a low fermentable oligo-, di-, and mono-saccharides and polyols diet to successfully reduce the symptoms of patients who suffer from both endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome. Despite the low level of evidence, there are frequent associations between endometriosis and gastrointestinal conditions in addition to the influence of various nutritional factors on the disease.
The management of endometriosis requires a holistic approach focused on reducing overall inflammation, increasing detoxification, and attenuating troublesome symptoms. A dietician may provide great benefit in the management of these patients, especially at younger ages and in early stages. High-level evidence and well-designed randomized studies are lacking when it comes to studying the effect of lifestyle and dietary intake on endometriosis. Inarguably, further research with a more extensive focus is needed.
Keywords
endometriosis, nutrition, lifestyle, chronic pelvic pain, diet
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