Research uncovers widespread impact of endometriosis beyond reproductive systems
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of California - San Francisco (UCSF) have uncovered a significant connection between endometriosis and a diverse range of health conditions, shedding light on the often overlooked and painful condition that affects an estimated one in ten women globally.
Led by Dr. Marina Sirota and Umair Khan, the team analysed over 43,000 electronic health records (EHRs) from six UC health centres. Using advanced computational algorithms, they identified more than 600 correlations, revealing that endometriosis is linked not only to well-known associated conditions like infertility, autoimmune diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders but also to a wide array of other medical issues including certain cancers, Crohn's disease, migraines, asthma, and eye diseases.
The findings suggest that endometriosis is a systemic, multi-organ disorder rather than solely a reproductive condition. Key categories of correlated conditions include reproductive system issues, autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, certain cancers, neurological conditions, respiratory conditions, and eye-related diseases.
The exact list and clinical implications of all 600+ correlations remain to be fully explored, but this study, published in Cell Reports Medicine (2025), marks a significant step in understanding the broad health impacts of endometriosis. It may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Current treatments for endometriosis mainly focus on hormone therapy to suppress the menstrual cycle or surgery to remove affected tissue. However, relief from endometriosis is not guaranteed even with these treatments, as not everyone responds well to hormonal treatment, which can bring harsh side effects.
The study provides both the tools and the data to make a difference for the large population suffering from endometriosis. Researchers hope that the new findings will help improve the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, moving the needle in a field that hasn't moved in decades.
In more severe cases, patients may undergo a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus. However, even after such surgery, some women continue to suffer pain. The study's findings could potentially help these women by providing a more comprehensive understanding of the condition and its connections to other health problems.
Some patients had migraines, bolstering previous studies suggesting that migraine drugs might help treat endometriosis. This connection could open up new avenues for treatment and relief for those suffering from this condition.
Dr. Marina Sirota, one of the study's authors and a professor of paediatrics at UCSF, expresses hope that the findings can spur a sea change in how endometriosis is approached. The researchers used algorithms developed for the project to sift through patients' medical histories to spot patterns between endometriosis and other health problems.
The impact of endometriosis on patients' lives is significant. It affects interpersonal relationships, ability to hold a job, have a family, and maintain psychological well-being. The new study reveals hundreds of connections between endometriosis and other diseases, adding to a growing body of evidence that it is a "multi-system" disorder affecting the whole body. The study's authors hope that their findings will lead to faster diagnosis and eventually tailored treatment for the millions of women who suffer from endometriosis.
Science has uncovered a connection between endometriosis and various medical conditions, such as chronic diseases and women's health issues, shedding light on the impact of this multi-system disorder on overall health and wellness. This groundbreaking research in health and wellness, spearheaded by Dr. Marina Sirota and Umair Khan, discovered more than 600 links, including connections to neurological conditions, respiratory conditions, and eye-related diseases.
