Endometriosis and Mental Health: The Forgotten Struggle

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist about one in 10 women of reproductive age experience endometriosis.  Despite how common this disorder is, there's still misconceptions regarding it, including the link it has to mental health. In 2018, an experiment was conducted where female mice were induced with endometriosis. This study showed that inflammation in the pelvic region sends signals to the brain which changes brain electrophysiology and gene expression. This results in behavior changes such as depression and anxiety. 

What's endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that is similar to the lining of your uterus grows on other parts of your body. This growth is commonly present in the space behind your uterus, myometrium (a layer of your uterine wall), ovaries, peritoneum (membrane that lines the inside of your abdomen and pelvis), and fallopian tubes but can also appear in your rectum, bladder, intestines, diaphragm, vagina, and lungs. It's an incredibly painful chronic condition that can result in pelvic pain, heavy bleeding and cramping during periods, infertility, and dyspareunia (pain during sex). 

How can it affect your mental health?

While endometriosis is a gynecological disorder, it can lead to the development of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety as well as a reduced quality of life. This can be caused for a variety of reasons from the stress that comes with being able to get an official endometriosis diagnosis to navigating everyday life with a painful chronic condition. It's common for women to experience symptoms for four to six years before being diagnosed even after multiple trips to the doctor. This can cause feelings of self doubt, shame, and embarrassment. 

What to look out for?

Researchers have called for a comprehensive approach to endometriosis care. This includes not only managing the patient's physical symptoms but providing mental health support. If you have endometriosis and notice changes in mood and stress levels please talk to your primary care provider or gynecologist. If you haven't been diagnosed with endometriosis, but are experiencing pain that's far worse than usual during during your menstrual cycle, sex, urination, or bowel movements also reach out to your primary care provider to discuss these symptoms.