Researchers are investigating the hypothesis that hormones before birth could stimulate endometriosis.
At least 10% of women in childbearing years are affected by this potentially serious disease. This condition is defined by an abnormal growth of the endometrial tissues that line the uterus, and other female reproductive organs.
Affected subjects experience a variety of unpleasant physical symptoms, including pain in the abdominal and pelvic regions, excessive cramping during menstruation, and discomfort during sexual activity. Menstrual symptoms include unusually heavy flow, discomfort when urinating, or releasing bowel movement, digestive symptoms and infertility.
Unfortunately, endometriosis can prove difficult to diagnose. It can take up to 10 years for a diagnosis to be made.
New research, published in March 2021 entitled “The Evolutionary Biology of Endometriosis”, suggests a testosterone-based treatment could improve this statistic.
The study authors suggest that endometriosis is more prevalent in fetuses whose mothers have lower testosterone concentrations. Doctors at the HFS clinic agree that PCOS, a potentially dangerous condition, occurs when the uterus receives excessive amounts of testosterone.
When can hormonal imbalance begin?
A team of researchers examined a large amount of data from a variety of disciplines to examine the impact of testosterone on women. These professionals found that endometriosis was more common in women whose mothers had low testosterone levels.
Scientists believe that such information has led them to believe testosterone deficiencies in utero may be the cause of endometrial disorders later in life.
According to one of the researchers, testosterone deficiency is a significant factor in the development of endometriosis.
The chemical suppresses the immune system, and it is thought that the disease is linked to abnormal immune responses. In addition, testosterone has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation which is considered to be a precursor to endometriosis.
What’s the link between endometriosis, testosterone and ovarian cysts?
Scientists acknowledge that previous research on the topic failed to take testosterone into consideration because it was assumed. The study overseer of one of the studies mentioned above suggests that it is easy to overlook testosterone’s role as a male reproductive and sexual hormone in a serious female illness.
These same researchers were also prompted to examine testosterone’s role following an analysis published in the 2016 edition of Human Reproduction, a scientific journal.
The research presented suggests that there is a strong link between endometriosis, prenatal hormone exposure and the condition. Other publications also introduce a correlation with the size of the anatomy and the reproductive malady.
How the genitalia of an adult reveals exposure to fetal hormones
Anogenital is the term used by medical professionals to describe the distance between the anus and the genital region. Researchers found that the distance between anus and genital region could have a major impact on pre-birth exposure to testosterone.
Scientists found that women with shorter anogenital distances were more susceptible to endometriosis. Shorter anogenital measures are more likely to be associated with lower testosterone levels.
A decrease in testosterone can lead to a worsened condition
Pain is a common symptom of endometriosis. According to the organizers of the study, this discomfort can be explained by a decrease in testosterone during pregnancy.
The subjects presented scientific literature stating that the reduction of hormone exposure causes pain sensitivity. Other studies have shown that testosterone reduces pain perception.
What should be done to help develop new diagnostic protocols based on this information?
Researchers say that while the link between exposure to testosterone in utero and later health problems is notable, further information needs to be collected before any conclusions can be made.
This factor may be important in diagnosing the disease faster. These findings are also important, because many people with endometriosis share similar traits. These include premature ovarian ageing, a decreased body mass index and a smaller waist-to-hip ratio.
Treatment Options
In the past, endometriosis was treated with testosterone. Many patients, however, found the treatment unsatisfactory because of adverse reactions. Some of these include the appearance of male characteristics such as facial hair growth and vocal changes.
The role of testosterone in the battle against endometriosis is evident. Researchers must find a way to prevent the side effects mentioned above from affecting women who are affected. These efforts continue.
Researchers discovered during their research that PCOS, and endometriosis were two different diseases arising from opposite levels of exposure to testosterone both before and after birth. Women with PCOS are more likely to experience high levels of testosterone during pregnancy.
