Physical Activity in Women with Endometriosis: Less or More Compared with a Healthy Control?

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis, i.e., endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting physical functioning. However, the specific levels of physical activity (PA) in the context of endometriosis and different disease symptoms remain unclear. Methods: This multi-center, cross-sectional study compared PA levels and influencing factors in endometriosis patients and non-endometriosis patients. Data were collected through questionnaires. Endometriosis was surgically confirmed. A statistical analysis was performed with appropriate tests. Results: The study included 460 women with endometriosis and 460 age-matched women without this condition. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, education level, or stable partnership. Women with endometriosis exhibited lower PA levels, practicing fewer hours of sports weekly and climbing fewer stairs daily compared to the control group. These differences remained significant after controlling for confounding factors. Factors such as endometriosis, current dysmenorrhea, and depression were associated with decreased PA. Conclusions: These findings suggest that women with endometriosis engage in less PA compared to those without this condition. These results highlight the need for interventions to promote increased PA in endometriosis patients and harness the associated health benefits. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop tailored exercise therapies for this population.

Investigating Unhealthy Behaviors Associated with SF-36 Domains in Women with Endometriosis—Findings from a Web-Based Survey Data Set

“…In chronic disease, the smoking proportion was documented as ranging from 15% to 26% [64]. More than half of the participants (59%) reported physical inactivity, and as reported in other studies, it seems that women with endometriosis engage in physical activity less than healthy women [65].…”

The causal relationship of depression, anxiety, and neuroticism with endometriosis: A bidirectional 2-sample Mendelian randomization study

“…[60] Additionally, depression and neuroticism can result in unhealthy lifestyles and behaviors, including erratic eating patterns and insufficient physical activity, potentially elevating the risk of developing endometriosis. [61–63] Furthermore, a range of biological abnormalities related to depression and anxiety, including dysregulation of the neuroendocrine system and immune system modulation, may also contribute to a heightened risk of endometriosis. These mechanisms align with our research findings, further supporting the validity and importance of this theoretical model.…”

Serum Vitamin D Levels, Visual Analog Scale Dysmenorrhea Score, and Endometriosis ASRM Classification: a Relationship Study

“…13 While the degree of dysmenorrhea was measured with VAS score by using visual pain assessment tools, in the form of a 10 cm line equipped with an illustration of facial expressions when experiencing pain. The scores were categorized into no pain (0), mild (1-3), moderate (4-6), severe (7-9) and very severe (10). 14 On the other hand, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) classification was used to determine the staging of endometriosis and were classified into grade I (score 1-5), II (score 6-15), III (score 16-40) and IV (score > 40).…”

“…Obesity is also often associated with lower levels of physical activity. 10 Reduced physical activity can lead to decreased endorphin release, which might affect pain perception during dysmenorrhea. Also higher BMI associated with increased prostaglandin production which plays a role in uterine contractions and menstrual pain.…”