Endometriosis is one of the main causes of infertility in women and affects almost 10 percent of women of childbearing of age. This condition occurs when endometrial cells that line the inner walls of the uterus (womb) migrate or form in other areas of the body, mainly in the pelvis and abdominal cavity.
Allergies Worsen Symptoms in Endometriosis
The misplaced tissues in endometriosis are called "implants" and they respond to hormones just as the healthy womb does, causing swelling, inflammation and bleeding. However, unlike a regular monthly cycle, the blood cannot exit the body and may lead to painful lesions, scar tissue or adhesions and blood-filled cysts.
The cause of endometriosis is unknown and there is no cure for this condition. However, a weak immune system due to stress, smoking, low levels of physical exercise, poor nutrition and even food allergies may worsen symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms Include Abdominal Pain and Infertility
A third of women with endometriosis do not have any symptoms and a survey in the UK showed that the average time for diagnosis even in women that have signs of the disease is eight years.
Endometriosis can cause symptoms of varying degrees, including pelvic pain and cramping, particularly during the monthly cycle, heavy or irregular bleeding, back pain, bloating, nausea, pain during bladder and bowel function, infertility and miscarriage. It may also cause immune system defects and can lead to other health conditions as well.
Causes of Endometriosis
The exact causes of endometriosis are not known; however, several factors may lead to this condition:
- being overweight or obese, particularly during the late childhood years
- imbalanced functioning of the immune system
- stress
- retrograde of backwards flow of blood through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity during the monthly cycle
- genetic and hereditary factors; the risk of endometriosis is 10 times higher in women who have a first degree relative with the condition.
- endometrial cells that are abnormally present in the pelvic cavity
- endometrial cells that travel through the blood vessels to the pelvic cavity
The Allergy Link to Endometriosis
Factors such as allergies are even thought to lead to endometriosis as a healthy immune system is better able to destroy and remove misplaced cells and imbalances in the body.
To reduce allergy factors that cause or worsen this disorder, eliminate any food allergens from the body including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn and soy. Your doctor can determine food sensitivities. Also eliminate of reduce foods that contain preservatives and additives for a healthier immune system. Food allergies and sensitivities can develop over time, particularly in individuals that eat an unbalanced diet that is high in processed, sugary and fatty foods.
Reference:
National Institute of Health: Endometriosis
Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
