Functional gastrointestinal symptoms in women with pelvic endometriosis

Abstract

Gastrointestinal symptoms are frequently encountered in women diagnosed with endome‐ triosis. Women with endometriosis appear to complain more commonly of gastrointestinal symptoms such as gastro-oesophageal reflux and dyspepsia. The psychological profile of patients with endometriosis may promote these symptoms. As a reaction to high levels of perceived stress, neuroendocrine-immune imbalance has been demonstrated in women diagnosed with endometriosis. Pharmacological agents used to treat psychological dysfunc‐ tion, and symptoms of endometriosis such as dysmenorrhoea, may lead to undesirable gastrointestinal symptoms. Through neuroendocrine and immunological intermediaries, the gastrointestinal system may also interact with the physiology of the female genital system. These variables have directed some workers to suggest an interrelationship between both systems including the occurrence of pathology. Gastrointestinal symptoms may act as a guide to dietary modification which may result in improvement in the symptomatology of endometriosis.