Endometriosis and IBS: an Inflammatory link!

The link between endometriosis and IBS may be due to common risk factors and pathogenic factors, such as a

chronic inflammatory process and an increased presence of mast cells, that are responsible for a type of immune response. In both diseases, the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines promotes the maintenance of a state of chronic inflammation.

As we described in our previous post, IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder marked mainly by classic symptoms like abdominal pain and discomfort with changes in bowel habits.

Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological inflammatory disease characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Symptoms usually include abdominal pain, painful periods, and painful intercourse.

Due to the common symptoms, such as abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, bloating and others, endometriosis and IBS might coexist and in some cases are misdiagnosed. In fact, the occurrence of IBS is higher in women with endometriosis compared with women without endometriosis.

Symptoms that may suggest the presence of endometriosis in women with IBS include worsening of bowel symptoms during periods, pain at the back and pelvis, pain during intercourse, heavy periods, difficulty in getting pregnant, or if a family member suffers from endometriosis.

Both…

…endometriosis and IBS

 are characterized by chronic inflammation. And hence, a diet rich in polyphenols and a diet that nourishes your microbiota could be beneficial.

A low-FODMAP diet was first designed to manage symptoms of IBS, but a growing number of studies show that it appears effective also in women with endometriosis.

Like any other diet, a low FODMAP diet is not suitable for everyone. There are several components of FODMAPs to which a person may react differently, and it is a diet that may be too restrictive for some. It is therefore important to get professional support. (Ref  1, 2, 3).

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