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7mo ago

Childhood Trauma Linked to Higher Endometriosis Risk

Researchers say childhood trauma reshapes immune function through altered stress responses to influence endometriosis risk.

Endometriosis affects one in 10 women in the United States and can cause chronic and frequently severe pelvic pain. A new study has found that women who experienced childhood traumas are at heightened risk to develop the condition as adults. Photo by cottonbro studio/Pexels

Overview

  • The nationwide cohort study of over 1.3 million Swedish women born between 1974 and 2001 identified more than 24,000 endometriosis cases using national healthcare registers.
  • Women exposed to any adverse childhood experience such as parental substance abuse, mental illness or financial instability faced a 20% higher risk of receiving an endometriosis diagnosis.
  • Individuals with five or more traumatic factors saw a 60% increased risk, while childhood exposure to violence more than doubled the likelihood of developing the condition.
  • Endometriosis affects about one in ten women in the United States and occurs when uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, leading to chronic pain, inflammation and fertility issues.
  • The findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach in women’s healthcare that integrates psychological history into endometriosis diagnosis and treatment.