Endometriosis and its causes
Endometriosis and its causes: A look at Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Endometriosis is a debilitating condition that affects at least one in nine Australian girls and women. It causes severe pain, reduced fertility, and an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Although the exact cause of endometriosis is not yet certain, evidence has indicated that exposure to environmental toxicants with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may play a role. Women with endometriosis are also frequently found to have adenomyosis, which is similarly linked to EDC exposure.
Numerous studies have supported this finding, although few have examined the potential relationship between exposure of EDCs and the risk of adenomyosis.
Understanding how environmental toxicants can increase the risk of endometriosis and adenomyosis is paramount to the treatment and preventative strategies.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition in which uterine tissue (endometrial glands and stroma) grows outside the uterus. This tissue is most often found in the ovaries, resulting in cysts, but can also be found in the Fallopian tubes, uterosacral ligaments, and the gastrointestinal tract.
Adenomyosis, which is also referred to as “endometriosis interna,” is the presence of endometrial glands and stroma embedded within the uterine muscle.
The most common clinical symptoms of endometriosis are pelvic pain and infertility.
Factors associated with increased risk of endometriosis
Hormonal fluctuation, particularly during early development. A higher risk is associated with women who begin menstruating at a younger age.
Shorter length of menstrual cycle
Being taller in height
Drinking alcohol
Having a higher body mass index or being overweight
High caffeine intake (although studies results on this are mixed)
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals
What are endocrine-disrupting chemicals?
Endocrine disruptors are defined as toxic compounds that can modulate the endocrine and immune systems, resulting in alteration of homeostasis, reproduction, development, and behaviour.
EDCs are chemicals that can interrupt or impair the function of our own hormones in a variety of ways, including:
Tricking the body into thinking they are real hormones by ‘mimicking’ certain functions. This can produce a response normally induced by a natural hormone.
Preventing natural hormones from doing their job
Increasing or decreasing levels of hormones in our blood by affecting how they are made, broken down, or stored
Altering the body’s sensitivity to different hormones.
According to the TEDX Endocrine Disruption Exchange database, the number of suspected EDCs was 881 in 2011, increasing to 1419 in 2017.
Common endocrine disruptors
EDCs are around us all the time: in our air, soil, water supply, food, toys, and cosmetics. They are present in many everyday products, including certain detergents, pesticides and flame retardants, as well as some plastic bottles and containers and the lining of some metal food cans. Some EDCs are slow to break down in the environment, which can prolong their harm.
Bisphenol A (BPA): found in many plastic products including food storage containers. Bisphenols are estrogen-mimicking EDCs that can maintain low levels of progesterone receptors, disrupting the menstrual cycle and potentially causing endometriosis.
Dioxins: by products in herbicide production and paper bleaching. Also released into the environment during waste burning and wildfires.
Perchlorate: byproduct of aerospace, weapon, and pharmaceutical industries. Can be found in drinking water and fireworks.
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): used in non-stick pans/paper, textile coatings
Phthalates: used in some food packaging, cosmetics, children’s toys, medical devices
Triclosan: in some personal care products such as liquid body wash
EDCs and endometriosis
In the last 20 years, studies have shown that EDCs may have adverse effects on the human body due to the way they interfere with the normal function of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that create, store, and secrete hormones throughout the body. This system drives much of our development and function in life.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are in two main groups: persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and non-persistent EDCs (npEDCs). Both of these have been implicated in reproductive diseases. The lipophilic nature of EDCs allows them to penetrate plasma membranes and accumulate in the body’s tissues. They can then enter the bloodstream and begin causing hormonal changes within the body.
Scientists have explained that because very small changes in hormone levels can have a significant impact on the body, even low doses of endocrine-disrupting chemicals can be harmful. These disturbances to endocrine function - particularly during developmental life stages such as puberty - can have profound and lasting effects.
Treating and preventing EDC exposure
Despite strong evidence of how EDCs can affect female reproductive health, there has been little research on how to minimize or treat these effects.
However, some nutritional and lifestyle interventions may help.
A 2022 systematic review found substantial evidence that eating an organic and/or vegetarian diet can reduce dietary exposure to endocrine disruptors. Other interventions included avoiding fast food and supplementing with iodine and Omega 3.
The same review suggested that avoiding or limiting items known to contain high levels of EDCs is also effective. This means avoiding plastics, canned food, canned beverages, processed food, certain cosmetics and personal care products. Replacing plastic cookware and utensils with glass or stainless steel, and using cardboard rather than plastic packaging (or no packaging) can also limit exposure to EDCs. It is also helpful to remove dust from the home regularly.
Proper detoxification is crucial to preventing harm caused by EDCs. Phase 1 detoxification in the body is designed to neutralize potentially harmful chemical compounds, while phase 2 helps to remove the reactive forms of these compounds before they can cause more damage. Optimal phase 2 detoxification requires a range of nutrients, including glutathione, cysteine, methionine, taurine, folate, selenium, zinc, and vitamins C, B2, B5, and B12. A wholesome diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration are also essential.
Help for endometriosis
Endometriosis is different for every woman. The symptoms experienced by those affected will vary significantly, as will the factors that may be causing and contributing to their condition. This means every treatment must be customised to the individual by an experienced health professional. Treatment must also incorporate all possible aspects of diet and lifestyle, as well as health history and goals.
And that’s where I come in. I’m a qualified naturopath, Acupuncturist and TCM practitioner specialising in women’s health. Managing endometriosis is entirely possible with the right approach - but it has to be holistic and personalised to your unique needs.
Want to know more? Let’s chat.
