News | Study Finds a Possible Link Between Trauma and Endometriosis
An international collaborative study suggests that traumatic experiences may be linked to the development of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing severe pain and fertility problems. Although it affects many women, its exact cause remains unclear.
Background and purpose
The study sought to improve understanding of the possible link between traumatic experiences and endometriosis. It examined whether particular types of trauma were more strongly associated with the condition and whether the association was independent of genetic susceptibility. Co-lead author Solveig Løkhammer, a doctoral student in the Department of Clinical Science at the University of Bergen, said: "Through this study, we wanted to explore possible mechanisms that might explain why women develop endometriosis."
Methods and collaboration
Dr. Løkhammer worked with researchers from Yale University, the University of Oxford, and Harvard University. The team analyzed traumatic experiences from childhood through adulthood, including physical and sexual violence, witnessing a sudden death, and receiving a life-threatening diagnosis.
Findings
Women with endometriosis more often reported traumatic experiences such as physical and sexual violence, witnessing sudden death, and receiving a life-threatening diagnosis. These included direct physical trauma, such as sexual assault, and more indirect emotional trauma or lack of caregiver support in childhood.
Possible explanations
Although the researchers could not establish the exact connection, they proposed several explanations. Dr. Løkhammer said: "One hypothesis is that trauma may trigger or worsen chronic inflammation and disrupt hormonal balance, promoting endometriosis. Long-term stress may also affect the immune system and pain perception, worsening symptoms."
Trauma independent of genetics
The study also suggests that the association may be independent of genetic risk. Dr. Løkhammer noted: "This means that even people with low genetic risk may face a risk of endometriosis if they have experienced major trauma."
Significance
The research offers a new perspective on the causes of endometriosis and possible directions for early identification and treatment. Future studies may examine exactly how trauma affects its development and inform new treatment strategies.
Source:
Collected online
Published 2025-02-21
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News | Study Finds a Possible Link Between Trauma and Endometriosis
News | Study Finds a Possible Link Between Trauma and Endometriosis
An international collaborative study suggests that traumatic experiences may be linked to the development of endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing severe pain and fertility problems. Although it affects many women, its exact cause remains unclear.
Background and purpose
The study sought to improve understanding of the possible link between traumatic experiences and endometriosis. It examined whether particular types of trauma were more strongly associated with the condition and whether the association was independent of genetic susceptibility. Co-lead author Solveig Løkhammer, a doctoral student in the Department of Clinical Science at the University of Bergen, said: "Through this study, we wanted to explore possible mechanisms that might explain why women develop endometriosis."
Methods and collaboration
Dr. Løkhammer worked with researchers from Yale University, the University of Oxford, and Harvard University. The team analyzed traumatic experiences from childhood through adulthood, including physical and sexual violence, witnessing a sudden death, and receiving a life-threatening diagnosis.
Findings
Women with endometriosis more often reported traumatic experiences such as physical and sexual violence, witnessing sudden death, and receiving a life-threatening diagnosis. These included direct physical trauma, such as sexual assault, and more indirect emotional trauma or lack of caregiver support in childhood.
Possible explanations
Although the researchers could not establish the exact connection, they proposed several explanations. Dr. Løkhammer said: "One hypothesis is that trauma may trigger or worsen chronic inflammation and disrupt hormonal balance, promoting endometriosis. Long-term stress may also affect the immune system and pain perception, worsening symptoms."
Trauma independent of genetics
The study also suggests that the association may be independent of genetic risk. Dr. Løkhammer noted: "This means that even people with low genetic risk may face a risk of endometriosis if they have experienced major trauma."
Significance
The research offers a new perspective on the causes of endometriosis and possible directions for early identification and treatment. Future studies may examine exactly how trauma affects its development and inform new treatment strategies.
Source:
Collected online