Endometriosis Consultation
Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition that affects women physically, mentally, and socially. To support you throughout this process, it is essential to have a specialist who can guide you with a multidisciplinary, personalised, and integrative approach.
Endometriosis: a multifactorial chronic disease
Endometriosis is a chronic, benign, and oestrogen-dependent gynaecological condition, characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, affecting organs such as the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. It affects between 10% and 15% of women of reproductive age and is associated with symptoms such as intense pelvic pain, painful menstruation, and infertility.
Women with endometriosis are at higher risk of chronic pelvic pain, affecting 69% of patients, and infertility, which impacts 30% to 50% of those with the disease. Inflammation in the affected areas contributes to the worsening of symptoms, which include chronic pelvic pain, deep pelvic pain, dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), with a prevalence of 45%, and pain in the sacral region.
Symptoms related to bowel function, such as painful defecation (dyschezia), diarrhoea, and abdominal bloating, are also common. Endometriosis can also cause urinary symptoms, such as painful urination, particularly when the lesions deeply infiltrate the organs.
The aetiology of endometriosis is not yet fully understood, but genetic, immunological, and environmental factors are known to influence its progression. Hormonal changes, especially in oestrogen and progesterone, play a key role in promoting the proliferation of endometriotic cells and perpetuating the chronic inflammatory state.
The Importance of Multidisciplinary Intervention
A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for the well-being of women with endometriosis. Nutrition plays a vital role in helping to control weight, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as regular physical activity and stress management can be equally important. In some cases, supplementation and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, should also be considered, offering an integrative, personalised, and effective approach to managing this condition.
Doctors who perform this medical procedure
Filipa Marques Bernardo
Licenciada em Engenharia Química, pelo Instituto Superior Técnico, e em Dietética e Nutrição pela Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa. Concluiu a formação em Medicina Chinesa pela Universidade de Chengdu, China, e possui um master em Suplementação Nutricional baseada na evidência.
Especializou-se em Suplementação na Menopausa e em Nutrição para a Endometriose e Síndrome dos Ovários Poliquisticos e frequentou o Curso Infertilidade e Saúde reprodutiva na Medicina Tradicional Chinesa.
Criadora de um programa de tratamento natural para a menopausa, sem terapia de reposição hormonal que integra a acupuntura, nutrição e suplementação numa abordagem personalizada e integrativa.
Autor de diversas palestras e co-autora de artigo de revisão: a dieta FODMAP na sintomatologia da endometriose (ainda não publicado), no âmbito curricular.
Áreas de Interesse:
Menopausa, Endometriose, Saúde da Mulher.
