Improving Quality of Life in Endometriosis Patients: A Study on Lifestyle and Pain Scores

OBJECTIVES: Endometriosis is a condition that affects around 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. Our aim was to investigate whether it is possible to alleviate the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease by following a healthy lifestyle, with a particular focus on a regular, balanced diet and exercise.

METHODS: We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study of women diagnosed with endometriosis (n=244) using an anonymous questionnaire survey. It was self-administered (sociodemographic data, symptoms, risk behaviours) and contained validated questionnaires (FFQ, IPAQ-SF, EQ-5D-3L). We used descriptive (absolute and relative prevalence) and mathematical statistical methods after testing for normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). Chi-squared test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was undertaken to assess the association between the identified dependent and independent variables. A two-tailed p-value of <0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. SPSS software version 27.0 was used for all statistical analyses.

RESULTS: 10.7% of respondents were classified as high risk behavioral because of their inactive lifestyle, alcohol consumption and/or smoking, and following an inappropriate diet according to the FFQ. Individuals with high risk behaviours have a significantly worse quality of life (p=0.044). Dairy-free (furthermore DF) and gluten-free (furthermore GF) diets had higher pain scores than those who are not keeping any diet. Significant differences were obtained for diarrhoea (TM p=0.001; GF: p<0.001), urge urination (DF: p=0.031), fatigue (DF: p=0.002) and psychological sensitivity (DF: p=0.002; GF: p=0.005), abdominal cramping (GF: p=0.055), painful bowel movements (GF: p=0.031), back pain (GF: p=0.015) symptoms. The relationship between physical activity and pain: r = -0.16; (p=0.012), so the higher physical activity lower the pain level.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that we need more research to find out whether the dairy or gluten-free lifestyle is effective. However, embracing a wholesome lifestyle can play a substantial role in mitigating the symptoms of the ailment.