From the Research
Iron Deficiency and Folate Deficiency in Pelvic Pain or Endometriosis
- Iron deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of endometriosis, with studies suggesting that women with endometriosis are at a higher risk of developing iron deficiency than those without the condition 1.
- The relationship between iron deficiency and endometriosis may be attributed to chronic systemic inflammation or heavy menstrual bleeding, which can lead to iron deficiency 1.
- Iron overload, on the other hand, has been observed in the peritoneal cavity of women with endometriosis, with higher concentrations of iron and ferritin in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis compared to controls 2.
- Iron overload may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, with iron deposits found in the peritoneum adjacent to endometriotic lesions 2.
- Dysregulated iron homeostasis may also play a critical role in the pathophysiology of endometriotic lesions, with localized iron overload and inflammation contributing to the development of endometriosis 3.
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that folate deficiency contributes to pelvic pain or endometriosis, with the current research focusing on the role of iron deficiency and overload in the development of endometriosis 4, 5, 2, 1, 3.