Probiotics and Endometriosis: A New Approach to Treatment

Recognizing the Issues Associated with Endometriosis

One in ten women worldwide suffers from the chronic illness known as endometriosis. Among those who are experiencing infertility, this figure is significantly greater. It can reach a maximum of 50%. [1] Even before a diagnosis, persistent, severe pelvic discomfort is one of the main signs of endometriosis. Women with this pelvic discomfort are typically diagnosed in 9 out of 10 adults or in 4-5 out of 10 youngsters. Despite the fact that the causes may not be entirely known, we do have some knowledge of the illness. Genetics, environment, hormonal variables, or a mix of these are regarded to be the root causes. Other potential causes include stem cells, cellular metaplasia, and retrograde menstruation. [2]

Because the majority of symptoms are frequently linked to other disorders, diagnosis can be difficult. Before prescribing the necessary tests to prove endometriosis, doctors would likely employ a process of elimination, starting with menstruation and other causes of similar symptoms.

So what exactly is endometriosis? It occurs when tissue that resembles the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the bladder and bowel are the organs that are most frequently impacted. This expansion first manifests as discomfort, then scarring, and finally infertility.

Endometriosis has two significant problems: a diagnosis and a lack of treatment. The only focus is on treating the symptoms because there is no cure.

Probiotics: What Are They and How Can They Help?

Live microorganisms like yeast and bacteria make up probiotics. They have a reputation for assisting in preserving a balanced population of gut flora. Our diets contain some probiotics in the form of yogurt, kimchi, and kefir, among other foods.

Probiotics may be helpful for treating some endometriosis symptoms, according to research. By preserving a balanced, diverse microbiota, they lower inflammation in the stomach. A probiotic user’s better endometrial epithelial cell barrier function reduced endometriotic lesions and increased interleukin-12 levels, according to one study.

Endometriosis and Gut Health: A Connection

Gut health and endometriosis are not causally related. However, since there is no cure for this ailment, having a healthy stomach is beneficial for individuals who have it. It also lessens the intensity of the discomfort. Additionally, it makes symptom management simpler. According to research, endometriosis symptoms associated with digestion, such as leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and bloating, can be alleviated by maintaining excellent gut health.

Another way that gut health and endometriosis are related is through the immune system. People with this illness frequently struggle with weakened immune systems. A healthy immune system is strongly supported by the stomach. Increased immune function lowers endometriosis-related aches and pains and inflammation rates.

Hormonal Balance and Probiotics: A Potential Link

There is proof that probiotics have advantageous impacts on hormone balance. A 2011 study that examined the interaction between probiotics and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) discovered that it had a beneficial effect on perimenopausal women. Hormonal homeostasis has been found to be affected by probiotics. It is encouraging that this holds the promise of non-evasive treatment for hormone imbalance.

Another investigation into Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences discovered that probiotics had a favorable effect on testosterone levels and decreased inflammation.

What Do Studies on Probiotics and Endometriosis Say?

An increasing amount of research suggests that using probiotics to treat the symptoms of endometriosis may be beneficial. The health of the female reproductive tract, which is impacted by the condition, has been found to benefit from probiotics including the lactobacillus strains. In addition, the low Lactobacillus endometrial microbiome has been connected to problems with conception.

Another study employing a rat model of endometriosis and oral probiotic therapy discovered that saccharomyces boulardii or lactobacillus acidophilus strains significantly reduced discomfort development.

The improvement of symptoms could be attributed to lactobacillus’ regulation of the gut microbiota and assistance with intestinal barrier function. There are studies that demonstrate the impact of probiotics on human diets, even if the majority have been conducted in lab settings. According to a study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, including probiotics in our diets may help prevent the development and spread of endometriosis.

Probiotics: How to Include Them in Your Treatment Plan

Patients may benefit from including probiotics in their existing treatment strategy for a number of ailments. This could be done by boosting immune function generally or by improving gut health to reduce symptoms. Your doctor should be consulted before adding probiotics to rule out any potential contraindications. Determining the proper dosage, frequency, and maybe the probiotic strain to employ might also be helpful. This will be determined by the approach’s assessment of each person’s unique demands.

Probiotics have been found as adjuvant therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a review article that was published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases. In order to reduce inflammation, enhance intestinal barrier performance, and stop the development of dangerous bacteria in the gut, probiotics were essential.

Patients in a pilot trial that this article previously mentioned focused on the effects of synbiotics and probiotics on hormonal and inflammatory indices in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (a disorder that shares similarities with endometriosis) exhibited evidence of improvement. Even though there is still work to be done to determine the dose, the results are obvious. Starting with tiny doses and adjusting as needed based on the results and the advice of your healthcare physician is what we would advise.

Probiotic Use’s Potential Risks and Side Effects

There is a need for caution, especially if the immune system is significantly compromised, even though there is no evidence to show widespread risk or adverse effects of probiotic use. The same applies to those who have certain underlying medical issues. For instance, after probiotic treatment was discontinued, a study of people with short bowel syndrome discovered that symptoms like mental fogginess, gas, and bloating decreased.

The inclusion of allergies, lactose, or prebiotic fibers in some probiotic supplements should also be taken into account. Some people may be harmed by these.

Diarrhea is one of the most typical probiotic adverse effects. Initial symptoms of the microbiota alteration may include nausea and diarrhea. As the body adjusts to using probiotics, these symptoms are known to lessen with time. By first decreasing the dose, they can be controlled.

Headaches can occur in users who are sensitive to amines such as tyramine or histamine. This is not a normal side effect, it should be noted.

Alternative Natural Treatments for Endometriosis Symptoms

Studies on natural methods of treating endometriosis symptoms are many.

Acupuncture

A comprehensive review found that acupuncture was successful in treating pain brought on by endometriosis. In 2016, a different review expressed the same opinions. It examined three trials involving 99 endometriosis-afflicted women between the ages of 13 and 40. Despite the many approaches taken, acupuncture treatment was found to lower pain intensity overall.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda has a long history of treating inflammation, but much more study is still needed. Turmeric, Brahmi, Triphala, Licorice root, and Boswellia are all anti-inflammatory herbs. Which would all aid in the treatment of endometriosis.

Biofeedback

Monitoring skin temperature, muscle tension, and heart rate are all part of biofeedback. On the basis of this feedback, modifications are made to treat endometriosis-related discomfort.

Physiotherapy

A form of physical therapy called pelvic floor physical therapy concentrates on the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic area, which is where some of the worst endometriosis symptoms are felt. In addition to decreasing inflammation, it eases pelvic floor tension. Of course, doing this helps with endometriosis pain management.

Investigating Probiotics’ Potential as a Treatment for Endometriosis

Endometriosis treatment with oral probiotics has a lot of promise. It was discovered to be useful for preserving the gastrointestinal epithelial lining’s integrity, controlling immunological homeostasis, and stopping bacterial translocation, which can cause systemic low-tone inflammation.

DNA signatures associated with endometriosis were found in another investigation. As the condition shares symptoms with other widespread diseases, this will aid in enhancing the effectiveness and speed of diagnosis, a significant problem. In certain cases, it may take years to make a diagnosis.