Is Endometriosis an Autoimmune Disease?
The Immune System
The research is clear that women with endometriosis have altered immune function. Surveys show that women with endometriosis have significantly more hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune diseases, allergies and asthma in women with endometriosis compared to the general population.
In endometriosis, the local immune system in the pelvis is altered with an increase in inflammatory chemicals (called “cytokines” and “chemokines”), and a decrease in anti-inflammatory cell activity. These inflammatory signals found in the abdominal cavity can encourage endometrial growth. The role of these immune cells and chemical signals is a complicated process and not quite entirely understood. There is a possibility that endometriosis has an autoimmune component due to a high level of “anti-endometrial antibodies”, but may be a secondary response of the immune system in an attempt to resolve endometriosis implants.
Endometriosis has not yet been classified as an autoimmune disease but it may increase risk for autoimmune diseases. The inflammatory nature of endometriosis seems to trigger imbalance in the immune system, or the immune system imbalances seems to trigger the growth of endometriosis. We don’t know which comes first.
When the immune system, which normally protects our body from invaders. But immune systems can get out of balance. If you have an autoimmune disease, your body attacks itself, as if it were a foreign invader. Inflammation is part of this autoimmune response.
Endometriosis and autoimmune conditions
Researchers are looking to understand the root cause of endometriosis, including the abnormal immune response found in women with the condition. Hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid are all autoimmune conditions that have been linked to women with endometriosis. Inflammation plays a role in the pain and other symptoms associated with these conditions, as it does with endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a common condition. So it’s unclear whether all of the conditions listed really are connected or if there is simply an overlap in who is being diagnosed with them. Having two health conditions doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re connected. More research is needed to truly determine the role that endometriosis plays in the development of other health conditions.
The Bottom Line
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects your long-term health. If you have endometriosis, understanding the comorbidities is an important part of living with your condition. So is taking charge of the inflammation.
My Favorite Ways to Address Inflammation
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.
Fix the gut! The digestive tract is vital to the health of the immune system. The small intestine houses “peyer’s patches” which are essentially “hubs” of the immune system. Anytime there is local inflammation or issues, this can result in systemic issues, especially inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory supplements.
Curcumin (turmeric) - probably the most studied anti-inflammatory
Ginger
Boswellia
Pycnogenol
Omega-3 Fish Oils
Estrogen/Progesterone Balance
Acupuncture
There is a huge need for these women to have options that will help with their endo symptoms while also preserving or even supporting their fertility. This is an area where naturopathic medicine truly shines. A holistic approach can help the woman address the deeper causes of her symptoms and support her health globally. Not only does this avoid interfering with fertility, it will improve fertility!