Endometriosis and the Microbiome
Endometriosis is a multifaceted gynaecological condition that affects many people with uteruses from as early as the first menstrual cycle, and possibly well into menopause. It is believed to be associated with a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, and immune system factors that drive inflammation. A lesser known player that influences endometriosis is our microbes, in particular the bugs of our vaginal and digestive microbiome.
The vaginal microbiome is a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the female reproductive system. In recent years, there has been growing evidence to suggest that changes in the microbiome of the vaginal and peritoneal fluid (the fluid which are reproductive organs exist within) may be associated with endometriosis.
Typically people without endometriosis are not shown to have many microbes within the peritoneal fluid, whereas those with endometriosis have been found to have dysbiosis of this area.
Photo by Alexander Krivitskiy on Unsplash
The vaginal microbiome can be imbalanced at many stages of life, however a long term imbalance such as in chronic candida can contribute towards inflammation and perpetual irritation of the nerves, aggravating the pain associated with endometriosis.
Dysbiosis within the digestive system can also aggravate endometriosis due to the increased production of lipo-polysaccharides (LPS) from dysbiotic bacteria, which contributes towards growth of endometrial lesions, increased inflammation and pain. Our gut bacteria play a large role in the balance of our immune system, and imbalances within our gut bacteria can disrupt this, worsening the inflammation of endometriosis which is driven by altered immune function.
If only correcting our microbiome was the sole answer, but it is part of the jigsaw puzzle.
You may be interested in these articles:
Endometriosis – Natural Management Options
The complexity of endometriosis makes it an overwhelming condition to tackle by yourself. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to work together to improve this condition.
