Scientists from the University of Queensland have found that endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) share genetic risk factors, so patients with one disease often have the other. The research was published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.
Endometriosis affects one in seven women and is the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus outside the organ. While the risk of IBS increases two-fold in women with endometriosis, the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach contents frequently leak into the esophagus, increases 1.4 times.
“People may have difficulty identifying the source of pain, which can lead to confusion or misdiagnosis, as well as treatment delays lasting years during which endometriosis can progress to more severe disease,” the authors said.
In a new study, analysis of UK Biobank data revealed a genetic link between the risk of endometriosis, IBS, stomach ulcers and GERD. This finding supports the observations of doctors who report an increased incidence of gastrointestinal disorders in women with endometriosis. The study proves that endometriosis should be considered as a possible cause of abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.
previous doctors named unexpected symptoms of uterine cancer.