Endometriosis statistics
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report 2023[i], 1 in 7 females and those assigned female at birth, or 14% of girls and women in Australia are now estimated to live with endometriosis, up from 1 in 9 and 11 percent. This is based on those diagnosed with the condition by age 44 to 49. Endometriosis Australia suggests that while there is an increase in the diagnosis of this progressive, chronic and incurable condition, the average time between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis is still 6 and 8 years with surgical intervention taking even longer.
Cost to health care – Australian 2022-23 health budget[ii] allocated a total of nearly $50 million. For those suffering with chronic pelvic pain and awaiting an official diagnosis of endometriosis, or other cause, this sum may be meaningless unless they receive resolution for their recurring debilitating pain.
The current medical consensus is that there is no curative treatment for endometriosis and clinical management of symptoms such as pain is through medical and/or surgical measures.
Early beginning of endometriosis
Looking at endometriosis from a more holistic and functional approach, we see connections that combine to form a clearer picture of both underlying contributors and drivers, with evidence linking the beginning of endometriosis to foetal development while in utero.
To understand the power of this discovery, we need to appreciate that every person is created from two initial cells – egg (ova) + sperm. These two cells rapidly multiply creating three groups of tissues – endoderm, ectoderm, mesoderm – creating the foundation of every human organ and tissue. Scientists postulate the theory of metaplasia[iii] proposing that endometriosis originates from extrauterine cells that abnormally differentiate or transform into endometrial cells.
While the foetus is in utero, hormonal and/or immunological factors are thought to stimulate the transformation of normal peritoneal tissue/cells into endometrium-like tissue. These ectopic endometrial tissue cells are called coelomic cells and may explain the presence of endometriosis, not only in pre-pubescent girls but also in female foetuses. It has, therefore, been suggested that endometriosis may be the result of defective embryogenesis.
Pre-conception preparation
The opening chapters of my book, How to Have a Healthy Baby, discuss the importance of preparing your body well before deciding to conceive. This preparation applies equally to the man and woman. I explain the impact of environmental toxins and chemicals, how these impact the development of the foetal tissue along with diet and nutrition.
The article cited above identifying the presence of endometrial tissue in female foetuses provides new emphasis on how everything a developing baby is exposed to while in utero affects its future health. We know that endocrine disrupting chemicals affect our hormones, but they also affect how hormones act on developing foetal tissue while in utero. The article cites endometrial tissue in female foetuses, but testicular tissue in male foetuses has also shown presence of coelomic cells. Fast forward to when this foetus is a mature male and we need to consider the impacts on his reproductive capacity, quality of sperm or perhaps even prostate health.
While humans have been having babies for millennia, we have never before in history been exposed to so many toxins and chemicals. This exposure is incessant and cumulative through generations which is why those currently seeking to have children need to be aware of their role in preventing ill-health in future generations.
Embryogenesis is affected by:
· hormones triggering gender differentiation, which also includes environmental chemicals that have hormone-altering actions;
· methylation which facilitates many biochemical reactions from creating new cells to genetic polymorphisms or altering how genes are expressed;
· availability of macro and micro nutrients;
· the health of the ova and sperm cells at conception;
· presence of heavy metals or other chemicals which can affect cell replication.
In short, how the embryo develops is determined by the health of both parents (conception) and the mother’s health and exposure to toxins (throughout gestation).
If we can prevent endometriosis in our daughters, just think of all the other health complications we may also be able to prevent in our future children (and grandchildren).
Learn more about how you can influence the health of your future babies and get your copy today.
References:
[i] https://pp.aihw.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/2023/2023-september/1-in-7-australian-women-aged-44-49-have-endometriosis
[ii] https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-03/endometriosis-progress-report-2024_1.pdf
[iii] Sourial, S. Tempest, N. Hapangama, DK. Theories on the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis; International Journal of Reproductive Medicine, Volume 2014, Article ID 179515, 9 pages; http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/179515
