Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified shared genetic risk factors for endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), suggesting that patients with one condition are more likely to experience the other. The findings appear in Cell Reports Medicine.
Endometriosis affects about one in seven women and involves tissue resembling the uterine lining growing outside the uterus. The study notes that women with endometriosis have roughly double the risk of IBS and a 1.4-fold increase in the likelihood of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach contents can reflux into the esophagus.
Authors explained that diagnosing the source of abdominal pain can be challenging. Misidentification or delayed treatment may occur, allowing endometriosis to progress while patients pursue unrelated explanations for their symptoms.
In a broader analysis, researchers used data from the UK Biobank to explore connections among endometriosis, IBS, gastric ulcers, and GERD. The genetic link supports clinical observations of higher rates of gastrointestinal symptoms in women with endometriosis and reinforces the idea that abdominal pain in these patients should be evaluated with endometriosis in mind, rather than treated as isolated GI complaints.
Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of an integrated approach to diagnosis and care. By recognizing endometriosis as a potential contributor to abdominal and GI symptoms, clinicians can reduce diagnostic delays and tailor treatments more effectively.
These findings may prompt clinicians to consider endometriosis as a potential source of chronic abdominal or gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to earlier interventions and more comprehensive management strategies for affected patients.