Cardio-Metabolic Risk Profile of Women With Endometriosis: A Population-Based Study

Endometriosis (EM) and metabolic disorders are frequent health problems among reproductive-aged women worldwide. Cardio-metabolic risk profile of women with EM is not well understood. We aimed to investigate the cardio-metabolic risk profile of Iranian reproductive-aged women with EM.

This study included 976 female participants aged 20-45 years of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Endometriosis was diagnosed based on the participants' self-reported previous diagnosis of EM, which was confirmed by reviewing the relevant medical documentation. All biochemical measures (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL], triglycerides [TG], and fasting blood glucose concentrations [FBG]) and measurement of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and anthropometric parameters were performed according to the standard protocol of TLGS. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio of cardio-metabolic disease.

Of the 976 study participants, 161 individuals (16.5%) had a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis. There were no significant differences in the median of metabolic parameters among women with and without endometriosis (p > 0.05). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in women with EM group compared to the non-EM group (21.9% vs. 14.9%). The presence of endometriosis was associated with an increased odds of metabolic syndrome (adjusted odds ratio 1.99 [95% CI 1.20-3.30]; p = 0.007). And endometriosis significantly increased odds of low HDL by 2.07 (1.02-4.20); after adjustment, it still remained significant (p = 0.03). Endometriosis also increased odds of high waist circumstance significantly (1.58 [1.06-2.37]; p = 0.02).

Women with endometriosis may be at an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, high waist circumstance and low HDL compared to their counterparts without the condition. Given the potential cardio-metabolic implications, healthcare providers should consider assessing the metabolic profile of women diagnosed with endometriosis.