
environmental
or behavioral causes
Environmental or behavioural factors contribute 49% to the risk of endometriosis [1]
What causes twins, people with the exact same DNA, one to develop a disease and the other not? Epigenetic.
Epigenetic - which literally means, above genetic [2] - studies how the environment, lifestyle, diet and even our social experiences can cause endometriosis and many other diseases. Changes in the epigenome are changes in gene expression. Complex biochemical mechanisms that alter the functioning of cells and even hereditary traits without changing the DNA [3]. One must say "Tell me what your life is like and I'll tell you what your health is like..."
This is great news. We might not be able to change our genetics, but we can find comfort in knowing that we can influence half of the problem by making more conscious and informed choices!
Epigenome can be affected by numerous factors:
-
Exposure to toxins, pollutants, ionizing radiation, ultraviolet rays…
-
Chemotherapy
-
Drug use, including tobacco and alcohol
-
Diet
-
Social interactions
-
Stress
-
Physical exercise…
Scientific research still is rather inconclusive or contradictory about which factors are specific to endometriosis or to what extent [1], which makes it more difficult to correct behaviors. From what to eat to what to wear, here you will find detailed information and specific suggestions in several articles.
To give a simple suggestion: Go Green! In every way: a diet mostly based on plants, organic products, environmentally friendly detergents and hygiene products, declare war on plastic, practice physical activity in nature and if possible in a group… And of course, avoid direct exposure to the Sun after 11 am.
References
[1] Cousins, F. L., McKinnon, B. D., Mortlock, S., Fitzgerald, H. C., Zhang, C., Montgomery, G. W., & Gargett, C. E. (2023). New concepts on the etiology of endometriosis. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 49(4), 1090–1105. https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.15549
[2] Super, & Kashima, C. (2019, August 21). Entenda de uma vez: o que é epigenética? Super. https://super.abril.com.br/ciencia/entenda-de-uma-vez-o-que-e-epigenetica
[3] Lamceva, J., Uljanovs, R., & Strumfa, I. (2023). The main theories on the pathogenesis of endometriosis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(5), 4254. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054254