How Endometriosis and Inflammation Intersect

Endometriosis is a painful condition that 10% of women endure. It has been mistakenly thought of only as a gynaecological condition, but it actually affects the entire body and mind. One of the main reasons that its effects are more significant than just pain and fertility complications is that inflammation is an immune system response.

 

 

Inflammation is triggered by harm to our body. This could be a virus, bacteria, or a cut or bruise. Once our bodies register the threat, our immune system responds by releasing cytokines, proteins that attack the specific danger, depending on what it is. For example, when cytokines attack a cut on your finger, this often manifests as swelling, heat, and throbbing. When we come down with a fever, that is also a sign of our immune system responding. 

 

Inflammation, when working properly, keeps our bodies healthy. But when the immune system messes up and causes inflammation when it is not needed, problems occur. Sometimes the immune system continues to send cytokines even when there is no immediate threat to your body. This is what causes conditions like arthritis. 

 

 

In terms of menstruation, inflammation is a regular part of the cycle. Inflammation occurs in the uterus when your body is preparing for potential pregnancy and to have a period. However, there are multiple ways that bodies with endometriosis have different experiences. For people with endometriosis, the body produces higher levels of cytokines. Even though this would be beneficial for fighting off threats like viruses, cytokines in people with endometriosis have been found to be less effective. Additionally, bodies with endometriosis also produce extra chemokines, a molecule that attracts other immune cells and increases inflammation. 

It is unknown if immune system errors cause endometriosis or vice versa, but it is clear that the two are interconnected and cause a vicious cycle. Existing scar tissue from endometriosis causes an inflammatory response from the immune system, and the inflammatory proteins trigger the growth of more endometrial tissue, which in turn causes more scar tissue to form. 

 

Ways to reduce inflammation 

 

 

• Dietary Changes 
• Avoid: Sugary and fatty foods, alcohol, and highly processed foods 
• Enjoy: Dark leafy greens, fish, tomatoes, and berries
• Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, can be found in fatty fish or taken as a supplement
• Turmeric and Ginger also help with pain and inflammation.
• Exercise
• Not too intense! Just something to get your heart rate up.
• Exercising regularly is also a good habit, as releases endorphins, which can naturally relieve pain and inflammation. Activities like yoga, walking, and swimming are often recommended for individuals with endometriosis because they’re gentle on the body and can improve circulation.
• A small study of 15 women with endometriosis found that practicing yoga twice a week for 8 weeks helped reduce pelvic pain. A 2018 research review also indicated that while evidence was inconclusive for the benefits of yoga, it may potentially improve endometriosis symptoms.

 

 

If you think you may be experiencing high levels of inflammation or endometriosis and are curious how mild exercise could help, explore how yoga could help with period pain here.