Excessive pain during menstruation can indicate various diseases, one of which is endometriosis. Endometriosis is a disorder that occurs when the tissue that normally lines inside of the uterus, then grows outside the uterus. This disorder causes various symptoms, such as excessive menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), excessive bleeding during menstruation, pain during defecation/urination and sexual intercourse, also infertility.¹

Endometriosis is a complex disease, influenced by various factors, such as genetics, hormones, the immune system, menstrual disorders and surgical procedures. Endometriosis is very common in women aged 30-40 years and may cause infertility. Several different medications can help manage the symptoms and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.²

Vitamin D is a type of vitamin that has various benefits for the body, such as being useful in endometriosis therapy management, inhibiting inflammation, stimulating antimicrobial activity, reducing cancer risk, and increasing body immunity. Vitamin D can be obtained from many sources, such as sunlight, seafood, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and vitamin D supplements.³ Vitamin D deficiency can cause several diseases, such as endometriosis. A study shows that women with endometriosis have lower vitamin D levels than women without endometriosis.⁴ In addition, a study by Qiu, et al (2020) states that vitamin D deficiency is a potential risk factor for endometriosis.⁵

How to Lower the Risk of Endometriosis?

Here are some tips you can do:^2,6

1. Do a medical test if anyone in the family has endometriosis.

2. Exercise regularly (more than 4 hours a week).

3. Avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine and alcohol.

4. Consume healthy and nutritious foods, such as sea fish, whole grains, vegetables, fruit, milk, and vitamin D supplements.

5. Manage stress by doing yoga or meditation, or you can also provide time for relaxation or self-care.

 

Reference:

1. Mayo Clinic staff. Endometriosis. Last review on July 24, 2018 Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354656

2. Esther Eisenberg and E. Briton Chahine. Endometriosis. Last review on February 22, 2021. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis

3. Meredith East-Powell. Vitamin D and Endometriosis. Last review on July 7, 2020. Available at: https://endometriosis.net/clinical/vitamin-d

4. Ali-Akbar Delbandi, al. Vitamin D Deficiency as a Risk Factor for Endometriosis in Iranian Women. Journal of Reproductive Immunology. 2021. 143: 103266

5. Qiu Y, Yuan S, Wang H. Vitamin D Status in Endometriosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‑analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2020. 302(1):141-52

6. Traci C. Johnson. Endometriosis. Last review on December 12, 2022. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/women/endometriosis/endometriosis-causes-symptoms-treatment