Is Endometriosis an Autoimmune Disease: Myth or Mystery
Endometriosis is a condition characterized by immune system dysfunction.
After this description, it is relevant for you to think “Is Endometriosis an autoimmune disease? ”
It is a debate that has yet to find a closure.
However, one thing that remains clear is the connection between Endometriosis and autoimmune disease.
This article aims to determine if it is autoimmune by tracing the connection between Endometriosis and autoimmune disease.
Read this detailed analysis for a clear understanding of how and why Endometriosis and autoimmune disease are related.
Is Endometriosis autoimmune
The simple answer is no.
Endometriosis is not classified under autoimmune diseases.
What can broadly be understood as an autoimmune disease is one in which the immune system attacks healthy cells.
There is no clear evidence to support this in the case of Endometriosis.
So, it is still not counted as an autoimmune disease.
Does Endometriosis cause autoimmune disease
It is not clear whether Endometriosis can be a cause of autoimmune diseases.
However, it is proven that it can increase the risk of having one.
A 2019 study found that Endometriosis increased the risk of 28 autoimmune diseases.
These included Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Celiac Disease (CLD).
However, only some quality evidence is available for now regarding most of these, as studies conducted have a possibility of bias in the data.
Further studies are required to evaluate Endometriosis as a risk factor for autoimmune diseases and the extent of its impact.
Link between Endometriosis and autoimmune disease
Although Endometriosis is not an autoimmune disease, it still has close ties with several of them.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
It is a broad term for two conditions: Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis(UC).
IBD is characterized by long-term inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Studies have shown a positive association between Endometriosis and IBD.
A review published in 2020 stated that women with Endometriosis had a higher risk of IBD with an increased incidence ratio of 1.5.
It also reported a 50 percent increased risk of IBD in Endometriosis patients.
Lupus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy body cells.
It can cause severe inflammation and affect joints, skin, heart, and other body systems.
A 2023 study found a link between Lupus and Endometriosis.
It suggests that Endometriosis can be a risk factor for Lupus.
Moreover, the two can share common risk factors like genetics or environmental factors.
Even treatment options like oral contraceptives and Hysterectomy can also cause SLE.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
It is also an autoimmune disease where the immune system damages the protective covering of nerve cells.
Women with Endometriosis are also more likely to develop MS.
The humoral immune abnormalities of both conditions also match.
Abnormalities of humoral immunity mean abnormalities in antibody production or associated processes like Cytokine production or memory cell generation.
Hypothyroidism
Thyroid disorders have been associated with severe Endometriosis.
This is because the metabolism of Thyroid hormone is changed in endometriotic cells.
A study by N Sinaii found that women with Endometriosis had higher chances of having Hypothyroidism.
Celiac disease
It is the immune reaction to eating gluten, which causes inflammation.
Some evidence suggests that it is linked with Endometriosis.
Factors like inflammation can be a reason for their association.
However, more studies are required to analyze the extent of risk and etiological factors.
Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA)
RA is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects joints.
A 2022 review presented a connection between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Endometriosis.
Findings suggest that these two conditions may share a partial genetic background.
To know more about the relationship and impact of genes on Endometriosis, read is Endometriosis genetic
Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS)
It is an autoimmune disease that causes less moisture production.
It is characterized by dry eyes and mouth.
A 2022 study found that women with Endometriosis had a 1.45 times higher risk of having SS.
This was prevalent in the age group 20 to 39 within the first five years of Endometriosis diagnosis.
Autoimmune treatments for Endometriosis
So far, there is no approved autoimmune treatment for Endometriosis.
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Regestrone 5mgDanogen 100mgDespite its impact on the immune system, no study has confirmed any suitable autoimmune treatment.
However, one treatment gaining attention is Immunotherapy.
It is a method to control immune responses for treating autoimmune diseases.
Although it is not yet recommended for Endometriosis, it can be a promising option in the future.
Endometriosis autoimmune diet
It is possible to manage Endometriosis with diet.
One suitable diet can be the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet.
It is mainly used for autoimmune diseases like IBD.
Since Endometriosis also impacts immunity, an AIP diet can help.
Although no research has focused on the AIP diet for Endometriosis, it may prove beneficial as it also reduces inflammation, which matches the anti-inflammatory diet recommended for Endometriosis.
It comprises various specific vegetables, plain white rice, meat, fruits, herbs, spices, and more.
In this diet, your consumption should be inclined towards green leafy vegetables or meats like beef, lamb, and fish.
The range of fruits should be high, which can be anything from an apple to nectarine.
The calorie intake must be kept reasonable.
Since it is a very restricting diet, always consult your doctor before starting to avoid worsening symptoms.
Conclusion
Endometriosis is not an autoimmune disease.
However, it may increase the risk of developing one.
Some of the autoimmune diseases related to Endometriosis are Lupus, Hypothyroidism, MS, and IBD.
Despite the significant impact on the immune system, there is no autoimmune disease treatment recommended for Endometriosis.
Further research on Immunotherapy can unlock future treatment options.
Until then, diet plans like AIP, which includes leafy greens, fruits, and meat, can be used to manage Endometriosis symptoms effectively.
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