Study Links Endometriosis and Lupus
Study Links Endometriosis and Lupus

February 24, 2021

A new study published in Scientific Reports links endometriosis to an increased risk for systemic lupus erythematosus.  Conducted based on the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan, the study showed that women with endometriosis between 30 and 45, used non-steroidal inflammatory drug users or did not use hormonal medications.

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, according to the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Sciences. Marked by pain, particularly during menstruation, endometriosis may affect more than 11% of American women between 15 and 44.[i]

The Taiwan study authors pointed to evidence showing that the immune system may be involved in the development of endometriosis with potential increases in the levels of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines and presence of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). They conducted this study to investigate other recent studies showing a higher rate of allergies and autoimmune diseases among patients with endometriosis. They conclude that this increased risk for lupus among women with endometriosis be taken into consideration by physicians treating women with either condition.

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[i] Endometriosis. Office on Women’s Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis.
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