Introduction 

Water plays an important role in organ function, and maintaining an adequate level of water is crucial in homeostasis. Any change in the level of water can cause or worsen diseases. This article will run through some information about the relationship between dehydration and the symptoms of endometriosis.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a disease characterised by the presence of tissue similar to the endometrium (the mucus membrane lining the uterus) outside the uterus. Endometriosis causes chronic inflammation leading to the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) within other parts of the body.¹ 

They are many types of lesions: 

• Superficial endometriosis which is found in the pelvis
• Cystic ovarian endometriosis, found in the ovaries
• Deep endometriosis, found in the bladder, bowel, and rectovaginal septum
• Endometriosis outside the pelvis

Symptoms 

Some individuals with large lesions expressed mild symptoms and others with few lesions may express severe symptoms. These symptoms often improve after menopause. 

Symptoms of endometriosis include a combination of:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Painful bowel movements
• Painful periods
• Pain during and/or after sexual intercourse
• Painful urination
• Anxiety and depression
• Fatigue
• Abdominal bloating and nausea
• Infertility¹

Water is crucial for homeostasis 

Homeostasis aims to maintain the internal environment without being overcome by external stimuli that disrupt the balance of our body. It is involved in the functioning of every system of the body. Homeostasis underlines many disease processes.² 

Water plays a major role within the body. Water transports nutrients, carries waste away from the body, and helps in various physiological functions such as regulating body temperature, blood pressure, digestion, and hydration.³

Every cell in our body requires water as it is:

• Essential for transporting vitamins, nutrients, and oxygen to the cells
• Important for the digestion and absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract
• Required to dissolve nutrients so that they may be absorbed into the bloodstream and delivered to the cells which are important for the proper functioning of the brain
• Vital for healthy heart function and essential to keep blood pressure within a healthy range

Electrolyte balance

Minerals in our body that have an electric charge are called electrolytes. They are found in the urine, blood, and other body fluids. Maintaining the balance of electrolytes helps in the body’s blood chemistry, muscle action, and other processes. Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. Levels of electrolytes can become too low or too high according to the amount of water in our body either by dehydration or overhydration.⁴

Dehydration worsens symptoms of endometriosis 

When you become dehydrated, your body responds by releasing hormones such as vasopressin and aldosterone which result in water retention. Water retention will cause bloating and worsen the symptom of endometriosis.⁸

Conclusion 

Endometriosis is a disease characterised by the presence of tissue similar to the endometrium (the mucus membrane lining the uterus) outside the uterus. Water plays a major role within the body. The process of water retention that results from dehydration further results in bloating and worsens the symptom of endometriosis.