Background: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterine cavity. It affects approximately 6–12% among reproductive-age women. Laparoscopy is still the gold standard for diagnosing it. Since an average of couple of years elapses from the onset of symptoms to the definitive diagnosis, analysis of symptoms could serve as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed online in November 2019. It contained 23 closed questions, which covered two areas: knowledge and awareness of endometriosis symptoms and its presence among respondents. Results: A total of 3319 women completed the survey, of which 328 were diagnosed with endometriosis (9.9%). The symptoms of endometriosis most often indicated by the general population were infertility and dysmenorrhea. In contrast, those least frequently indicated were painful defecation and dysuria. Respondents suffering from endometriosis indicated that they often or sometimes experienced dysmenorrhea (83%, n = 273), pelvic pain not related to menstruation (72%, n = 235), dyspareunia (68%, n = 223) and painful defecation or dysuria (40%, n = 132). Conclusions: Since the search for a non-invasive diagnostic endometriosis marker has been conducted for many years without success so far, it seems that awareness of the clinical presentation and reported symptoms may help to provide earlier diagnoses.
Introduction. Vitamin D3 has many functions in the human body. The impact of vitamin D3 on mental health is seen in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. In this study, we are assessing its impact on the symptoms and the quality of life of female patients with depressive episodes. Aim. The study aimed to determine whether higher levels of serum 25(OH)D correlate with milder symptoms of depression and better quality of life among female patients with depressive episodes as well as to establish whether vitamin D3 supplementation reduces the symptoms of depression and increases the quality of life in the population above. Material and methods. Patients (n=33) were divided into a study group (supplementing 2000 IU vitamin D3 daily for 2 months) and a control group. In both groups, the serum 25(OH)D was measured at the study’s beginning and end. The symptoms of depression and the quality of life were assessed using BDI-II, HDRS, and SF-36 questionnaires, which the patients answered at baseline and after two months. The trial was completed by 12 patients in the study group and 10 in the control group. Results and conclusion. No association between the serum 25(OH)D level, symptoms of depression severity, and life quality was shown in patients (n=33) who completed the initial bloodwork. No statistically significant difference was found in changes in depression scores and life quality between the study and control group. No correlation was found between the changes in the scores of depression and life quality and the changes in serum 25(OH)D levels. A statistically significant difference was found in the serum 25(OH)D levels (p=0.0004), with no such difference in the control group (p=0.06). A statistically significant difference was also found in the BDI-II depression scores both in the study and in the control group (p=0.02 and p=0.04). No such difference was found in the study or control in the HDRS depression score or SF-36 life quality score. Therefore, the study does not show the benefit of vitamin D3 supplementation in the reduction of depression symptoms or life quality in female patients with depressive episodes. Keywords: vitamin D3, depressive disorders, mood disorders, life quality.
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