Analysis of Body Composition and Pain Intensity in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain Secondary to Endometriosis

Abstract

Objective To determine the average body composition (percentage of body fat), the anthropometric markers, and the intensity of clinical pain in women with a clinical diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) secondary to endometriosis. Methods A case-control study performed with 91 women, 46 of whom with CPP secondary to endometriosis and 45 of whom with CPP secondary to other causes. They underwent an evaluation of the anthropometric parameters by means of the body mass index (BMI), the perimeters (waist, abdomen, hip), and the percentage of body fat (%BF), which were assessed on a body composition monitor by bioimpedance; the intensity of the clinical pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), and the symptoms of anxiety and depression, using the hospital's anxiety and depression scale (HAD). Results The groups did not differ in terms of mean age, BMI, %BF or regarding the available waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The mean intensity of the clinical pain by the VAS was of 7.2 ± 2.06 in the group with CPP secondary to endometriosis, and of 5.93 ± 2.64 in the group with CPP secondary to other causes (p = 0.03), revealing significant differences between the groups. Conclusion We concluded that, despite the difference in the pain score assessed between the two groups, there was no difference regarding body composition and anthropometry.

The Association Between Body Mass Index, Waist to Hip Ratio and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference with Endometriosis

“…Increased risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia is also associated with endometriosis . In addition, the pain can negatively affect appetite, affecting BMI and a woman's quality of life Silva et al, 2020). Treating endometriosis pain using NSAIDs can cause side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea, resulting in a decreased tolerance to food .…”

Approach to Pain in Endometriosis Patients: Systematic Literature Review

“…Finally, it is worth noting that overweight and/or obesity were also reported as influencing factors for pain attenuation in women with endometriosis. This is due to the greater presence of M1 pro-inflammatory macrophages in these individuals [11].…”

Importance of an Interdisciplinary Approach in the Treatment of Women with Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain

“…Nutritional aspects influence hormonal and inflammatory balance and as so have been implicated in the physiopathology of endometriosis. 15 There appears to be a protective impact on the consumption of dairy products and calcium and tryptofan, 16 probably through the induction of anti-oxidative mechanisms and improving general well-being. 15,16 Red meat and saturated fatty acids, on the other hand, appear to have a negative effect on the disease.…”

“…15 There appears to be a protective impact on the consumption of dairy products and calcium and tryptofan, 16 probably through the induction of anti-oxidative mechanisms and improving general well-being. 15,16 Red meat and saturated fatty acids, on the other hand, appear to have a negative effect on the disease. 17 Consequently, dietary interventions seem to have a positive implication on the management of CPP and endometriosis.…”