Scientists have linked Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) with various gynecological issues. However, despite some overlapping symptoms, researchers have not found significant associations between EDS and endometriosis.
EDS refers to a group of disorders that affect the connective tissues of the body. Connective tissues support the skin, blood vessels, ligaments, and other bodily structures.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the endometrial tissue in the uterus grows in other areas, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Endometrial tissue consists of two layers, one of which is formed of connective tissue.
Although some studies suggest there may be a higher than usual prevalence of endometriosis in people with EDS, scientists have not found significant associations between the conditions.
However, the conditions may cause similar symptoms, such as chronic pelvic pain and menstrual symptoms.
This article looks at whether there may be a connection between EDS and endometriosis, what research about the conditions suggests, and other gynecological issues associated with EDS. It also looks at symptoms of EDS and endometriosis and the next steps a person can take for both conditions.
The prevalence of endometriosis in reproductive women is around 10%. Researchers have found varying rates of endometriosis in people with EDS, but most do not suggest a significantly higher prevalence than in the larger population.
There are few studies available on possible associations between EDS and endometriosis. The following highlight the prevalence of endometriosis in people with EDS, with mixed results:
- A 2022 presentation to the Ehlers-Danlos Society suggests endometriosis occurs in 6% to 23% of women with EDS.
- One 2021 review includes endometriosis in a list of common gynecological conditions in people with EDS.
- A
2016 studyTrusted Source reports that endometriosis was not highly prevalent in people with EDS.
While scientists associate EDS with a range of gynecological conditions and symptoms, there is a lack of evidence linking it with endometriosis. However, both conditions can cause similar gynecological symptoms.
Aside from an overlap in certain symptoms, there is not enough evidence to determine if EDS and endometriosis are connected.
People with EDS frequently report gynecological issues. This is
However, research does not suggest endometriosis as a common gynecological side effect of EDS.
Various researchers have found that EDS and endometriosis share some common gynecological symptoms, though.
Both conditions may cause:
- chronic pelvic pain
- dysmenorrhea, which is pain during menstruation
- menorrhagia, which is heavy menstrual bleeding
The overlapping of these symptoms could lead to doctors misdiagnosing some cases of EDS as endometriosis.
Because EDS weakens the connective tissues that support reproductive structures and organs, it may link to various gynecological issues. These include:
- Pelvic organ prolapse (POP): POP occurs when a pelvic organ, such as the bladder, drops from its position and bulges into the vagina.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the tissues, ligaments, and muscles that support the pelvic floor weaken or become tight. This can lead to POP.
- Menstrual complications: These include dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, irregular menstruation, and bleeding between periods.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a disorder in which small, fluid-filled sacs form in the ovaries. It may cause menstrual changes, fertility complications, and other symptoms.
- Fibroids: Fibroids are tumors in the uterus that are usually noncancerous. They may cause bleeding and pain.
- Uterine polyps: Uterine polyps are growths on the uterine lining. They may affect menstruation and cause other symptoms.
- Vulva or pelvic varicose veins: These are varicose veins in or around the vulva or pelvic area. They may cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms.
- Recurrent anovulation: Anovulation is when an egg does not mature and the ovary does not release it. If ovulation does not occur, a person cannot become pregnant.
- Endometrial hyperplasia: Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition in which the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, becomes too thick. This could affect menstruation.
Gynecological symptoms and complications of EDS may include the issues listed in the previous section.
EDS may also cause:
Other symptoms of EDS include:
- joint hypermobility
- fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily
- stretchy skin
Specific types of EDS may cause additional symptoms:
- Classical EDS: Symptoms of this type include smooth, velvety skin, slow-healing wounds, and hernias.
- Hypermobile EDS: People with this type may have symptoms including digestive issues, unstable joints, urinary incontinence, and organ prolapse.
- Vascular EDS: Symptoms include fragile, visible blood vessels, unusual facial features, and organ problems such as bowel tearing.
- Kyphoscoliotic EDS: Symptoms include spine curvature, weak muscle tone, and fragile eyes.
Symptoms of endometriosis include:
If a person has symptoms of EDS or endometriosis, contacting a doctor for a diagnosis can help them get treatment.
EDS diagnosis and management
To diagnose EDS, a doctor may perform a physical examination and ask about an individual’s personal and family medical history. In some cases, the doctor may suggest a genetic blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
If a person’s EDS symptoms affect their quality of life, a doctor may suggest certain treatments and lifestyle changes to help manage the condition. These can include:
- practicing physical therapy or occupational therapy
- getting imaging scans to help monitor internal organ health
- wearing joint-protective supports for certain activities
- avoiding certain activities that can affect the joints and skin, such as contact sports
- taking pain-relieving medication
Endometriosis diagnosis and management
To diagnose endometriosis, a doctor may perform several tests, including:
- blood tests
- pelvic examination
- ultrasound scans
- laparoscopy, in which a doctor inserts a small camera through an incision in the abdomen to obtain images
Treatment can include medications to relieve pain and balance hormones. In some cases, doctors may recommend surgery.
Surgical options may include:
- hysterectomy to remove the uterus
- oophorectomy to remove the ovaries
- surgeries to remove ovarian cysts or parts of the bowel and bladder
How does Ehlers-Danlos affect the uterus?
EDS causes connective tissues to weaken, including those that support the uterus.
The condition can cause several complications that affect the uterus, including polyps, pelvic organ prolapse, and uterine rupture during childbirth.
How does Ehlers-Danlos affect menstruation?
EDS can lead to various menstrual symptoms, including severe period pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular menstruation, and bleeding between periods.
EDS affects the connective tissues that support various structures and organs in the body, such as the skin, ligaments, and blood vessels. The condition usually affects the skin and joints and can also cause several gynecological symptoms.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus.
EDS and endometriosis share certain symptoms, such as pelvic pain and menstrual irregularities.
Although EDS and endometriosis can lead to gynecological complications and symptoms, there is not enough evidence to suggest the two are linked.
