The Association Between Dietary Phytoestrogens and Endometriosis Development

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the relationship between phytoestrogens and endometriosis development. Endometriosis results from uterine-like endometrial and stromal cells growing outside the uterus. People with endometriosis typically experience chronic inflammation, pelvic pain, and infertility resulting in lowered quality of life. Due to their structural similarities, phytoestrogens present in diets possess the ability to mimic the activity of estrogen and influencae endometriosis development. 

Method: To better understand the role phytoestrogen plays in the development of endometriosis, a prospective clinical cohort study is proposed. The study will be conducted with a sample population of 196 participants lasting for six years. Participants will be recruited if they are present with endometriosis on ultrasound and are confirmed through laparoscopy. Participants will be provided with a questionnaire describing the amount of phytoestrogen-containing food in their diets. This data will be compared against Agriculture-Agri-Food Canada to determine the relative concentration/amount of phytoestrogen in participants' diet foods. The participants will be divided into groups, with the exposed group being provided with recommendations on high phytoestrogen-based foods to incorporate into their daily diet and the unexposed group foods to avoid. Participants’ diets will be analyzed every six months and lesion location, size and phenotype will be assessed via ultrasound. Analysis of variance will be used to determine lesion size, location and phenotypes, paired t-test to determine inflammatory marker protein concentration and p-test to dictate statically significant results. 

Anticipated Results: It is expected that participants with high amounts of phytoestrogen-containing foods in their diet will present a continual development of endometrial lesions while unexposed participants will present a decrease in endometrial lesion development. 

Conclusion: Based on the expected results, dietary phytoestrogen may lead to the development of endometriosis. As a result, women and dietitians should consider the effect of phytoestrogen-based foods when preparing diets. Future research should be conducted to assess phytoestrogen-containing foods to reap the nutritional benefits of these foods but also minimize endometrial lesions growth.