New study reveals endometriosis affects far more than reproductive health

Scientists have uncovered strong links between endometriosis and a wide range of other health conditions, including cancer, Crohn’s disease, and migraines, thanks to advances in big data research.

Endometriosis is a painful and often overlooked condition that affects an estimated one in ten women globally. Despite its prevalence, diagnosis can take years, and treatment options remain limited.

Now, a new study reveals hundreds of connections between endometriosis and other diseases, adding to a growing body of evidence that shows it is not just a reproductive disorder but a “multi-system” disorder affecting the whole body.

These issues “ranged from what we already knew or suspected, like infertility, autoimmune disease, and acid reflux, to the unexpected, like certain cancers, asthma, and eye-related diseases,” Umair Khan, one of the study’s authors and a researcher at the University of California - San Francisco (UCSF) in the US, said in a statement.

For the study, Khan and his colleagues analysed more than 43,000 patient records collected at six health centres, using algorithms developed for the project.

They sifted through the patients’ medical histories to spot patterns between endometriosis and other health problems.

Some patients had migraines, bolstering previous studies suggesting that migraine drugs might help treat endometriosis.

In all, they found more than 600 correlations, Khan said.

“This is the kind of data we need to move the needle, which hasn’t moved in decades,” Dr Linda Giudice, one of the study’s authors and a physician-scientist in the department of obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive sciences at UCSF, said in a statement. 

“We’re finally getting closer to faster diagnosis and, eventually, we hope, tailored treatment for the millions of women who suffer from endometriosis,” Giudice added.

Devastating toll on lives

For those living with endometriosis, the impact is far-reaching.

“The impact on patients’ lives is huge, from their interpersonal relationships to being able to hold a job, have a family, and maintain psychological well-being,” said Giudice. 

Current treatments mainly focus on hormone therapy to suppress the menstrual cycle or surgery to remove affected tissue. In more severe cases, patients may undergo a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus.

Yet even then, relief is not guaranteed. Not everyone responds well to hormonal treatment, which can bring harsh side effects.

The condition can flare up after surgery, and some women continue to suffer pain even after a hysterectomy.

Researchers hope that the new findings will help improve the diagnosis and treatment of the mysterious disease. 

“We now have both the tools and the data to make a difference for the huge population that suffers from endometriosis,” said Marina Sirota, one of the study’s authors and a professor of paediatrics at UCSF.

“We hope this can spur a sea change in how we approach this disorder”.