Endometriosis as a highly relevant yet neglected gynecologic condition in Asian women

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic, debilitating disease characterized by the growth of endometrial tissues outside the endometrium. Its prevalence seems to differ across ethnicities, with the disease affecting and presenting with advanced stages in Asians more than any other race. Despite this, data on endometriosis in Asians is limited, and there seems to be a lack of support for endometriosis research in Asia. Hence, this review aims to consolidate the available literature on endometriosis in Asians to identify the gaps in knowledge regarding its occurrence in this population and emphasize the need to address the disease in this part of the world. Certain genetic, dietary, and environmental factors that predominate in Asians compared to other ethnicities may potentially impact endometriosis. Understanding these differences is essential in providing innovative strategies for reducing health disparities in endometriosis incidence and presentation across ethnic groups, thus improving disease management and health outcomes.

Keywords: endocrine-disrupting chemicals; endometrioma; ethnic disparities; food consumption.

Figure 1

Endometriosis in Asian women. Genetic polymorphisms, dietary patterns, and environmental exposures that are characteristic of the region potentially influence the pathogenesis of endometriosis in Asian women. These elements, coupled with socioeconomic factors and behavioral patterns, result in a more advanced clinical presentation of the disease at the time of diagnosis. PFAS, per- and polyfluorinated substances.