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Hot topic - Red meat linked to endometriosis22 July 2004 - written by Bupa's Health Information Team Women who eat a diet high in red meat may be at increased risk of endometriosis, a new study has found. The study, published in the August 2004 issue of Human Reproduction also showed that eating a diet high in fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk of the condition. Below we look at the issue in more depth. What is endometriosis?Endometriosis is a condition in which small pieces of the lining of the womb, the endometrium, grow in the abdomen outside of the womb. Endometriosis often affects ovaries, Fallopian tubes and the tissues that hold the uterus in place.1 Every month, the uterus (womb) lining gradually fills with blood and thickens in readiness for a fertilised egg. If an egg is not fertilised, the lining is lost as a "period". With endometriosis, the pieces of endometrial tissue outside the womb go through the same changes as the uterus lining, sometimes swelling and bleeding into the body cavity. This can lead to inflammation and scarring in the pelvis.1 For more information, please see our separate factsheet on endometriosis: What are the symptoms of endometriosis?Endometriosis can cause:
Pain usually occurs around the time of a period, but for some women it can be constant. Some women notice a small loss of blood before a period is due, or have irregular bleeding or heavy periods. Some women have no symptoms. What is the treatment for endometriosis?Treatment for endometriosis depends on a woman's age, the severity of her symptoms, and whether she wants to have children. Treatments for endometriosis may involve:
What did the study show about eating red meat?In general, endometriosis affects around 1-15% of women of childbearing age. The study showed that women who ate beef or other red meat seven times a week or more were 100 percent more likely to have endometriosis than women who ate red meat three times a week or less.2 Women who ate ham three or more times per week were 80 percent more likely to have endometriosis than those who ate it less than once a week.2 What did the study show about eating fruit and vegetables?Women who ate green vegetables 13 times or more per week (roughly twice a day) were 70 percent less likely to have endometriosis than those who green vegetables less than six times per week.2 Women who ate fresh fruit 14 times or more per week (at least twice a day) were 40 percent less likely to have endometriosis than those who ate fruit and vegetables less than six times per week.2 How can I reduce my risk of developing endometriosis?This study suggests that there may be link between eating a healthy diet, low in red meat and high in fruit and vegetables and a reduced risk of developing endometriosis. The current advice is to eat at least five 80g portions of fruit and vegetables every day, and to keep intake of red meat to a minimum.3 Why does diet affect endometriosis?Endometriosis is an oestrogen-related disease. In other words, endometriosis is affected by the amount of oestrogen in the bloodstream. Certain foods appear to affect the amount of oestrogen and may affect the risk of developing an oestrogen-related disease. For example, the risk of developing breast cancer (an oestrogen-related disease) may be reduced by following a healthy diet.4 How do fruit and vegetables affect oestrogen's effect?Dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and legumes all contain substances called phytoestrogens, that may protect against oestrogen-related diseases. This is because phytoestrogens have been found to reduce the effects of oestrogen in the blood. There is also some evidence that eating fibre - another component in fruit and vegetables - reduces the amount of oestrogen.4 How was the study carried out?The researchers looked at two previous studies, with a combined total of 504 women under 65 years with endometriosis and 504 women under 65 years with no gynaecological problems.2 The women filled in a questionnaire about their lifestyle and habits over the past year, including what they ate and drank. Further informationBupa resources:
External resources:
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