Impact of dietary patterns on pain and quality of life in ovarian and deep endometriosis: observational study for nutritional interventions.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis impairs multiple dimensions of women's lives. Ovarian endometrioma and deep endometriosis present distinct clinical profiles. The dietary pattern has shown controversial data both for pain control and in the effect on women's vitality and physical health. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary patterns and quality-of-life outcomes and pain perception in women with endometrioma and deep endometriosis. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 40 Spanish-women grouped as controls, with endometrioma, or deep endometriosis. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and was estimated macronutrient and food group intake, as well as adherence to DASH-diet, Mediterranean adherence, and healthy eating index. They were measured bodily pain, vitality, general health, and quality of life dimensions specific to endometriosis. RESULTS: Dietary supplement use was higher in women with deep endometriosis (70%) compared to controls (13.3%, P = 0.015). Women with endometrioma consumed more dietary fat, monounsaturated fatty acids, and cholesterol than controls and, their adherence to the Mediterranean diet (control = 29.1 ± 5.0; endometrioma = 24.1 ± 7.2) and healthy eating index (control = 57.3 ± 3.9; endometrioma = 49.6 ± 8.0) were significantly lower. Dairy intake was lower in endometriosis groups compared to controls, while meat, snack, and fat consumption was higher in the endometrioma group. Furthermore, fat intake negatively impacted physical and reproductive health in endometriosis, while adherence to healthy dietary patterns was associated with improved life-outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary patterns impact the health of women with ovarian and deep endometriosis, especially regarding pain and quality of life. Women with endometrioma have poor dietary habits, which affect sexual function and vitality. Targeted dietary interventions, particularly focusing on healthy fats, may improve pain symptoms and overall well-being.