Suffering From Endometriosis And Skin Flare Ups? The Two Are More Connected Than You’d Think

Meet The Experts:

1. Dr. Jaishree Sharad, a globally acclaimed, celebrated cosmetic dermatologist, author and TedX speaker based in Mumbai, with 24 years of experience and a high-profile clientele from Bollywood, politics, and cricket.
2. Dr. Julie Bittar de la Cruz, MD FAAD, is a board certified dermatologist practising in Miami, Florida, USA.
3. Dr. Priyanka Reddy, MD & Chief Dermatologist at DNA Skin Clinic in Bangalore.
4. Himani Choudhary, certified yoga instructor in Seattle, USA.
5. Anushka Nandani Sawhney, fitness instructor & co-founder of The Tribe India.

Endometriosis is often accompanied by skin concerns like hormonal acne or itchy scars. Other health conditions like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis may be visible too. If these skin problems are showing up on your doorstep along with pelvic pain, bloating, and/or infertility, it’s time for a closer inspection.

In this article

What is Endometriosis?

According to Miami based dermatologist Dr. Julie Bittar de la Cruz, endometriosis is an estrogen dependent condition where elevated estrogen levels can lead to a hormonal imbalance. We girls have a tissue called endometrium that basically lines the uterus and releases itself from the body every month during menstrual periods, right until menopause. When this tissue starts growing outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries and fallopian tubes, it’s a cause for concern and is termed as endometriosis. Common symptoms include pelvic pain, bloating, and infertility. Turns out, flaring up of the skin is a symptom too.

The Correlation Between Endometriosis And Skin Health

The human body works in mysterious ways. Any concern that troubles a targeted area of the body, shows its symptoms on other areas as well. Similarly, endometriosis may be an inflammatory disease of the uterus but it affects other parts too like the skin. When this endometrial tissue grows on the skin, it causes skin concerns like swelling, discomfort or even bleeding, and is called cutaneous endometriosis. Dr. Jaishree Sharad, a celebrated cosmetic dermatologist with 24 years of experience and a high-profile clientele from Bollywood, explains “Cutaneous endometriosis is extremely rare and is seen in less than 1% of people who are met with this condition.” It is noticeable as lumps around areas like the groin and it increases with the menstrual cycle. Dr. Priyanka Reddy notes that the main reason for skin lesions in endometriosis is due to elevation of inflammatory markers and high estrogen. This triggers inflammatory skin conditions.

Symptoms That You May Have Ignored That Were Actually Warning Signs

Our bodies have a way of telling us when something isn’t right. It doesn’t have to be intuition alone. Signs like frequent headaches could indicate a much larger underlying concern. Chances are skin conditions like eczema, hives and even acne may be linked to endometriosis. For instance, endometriosis can cause the body to produce higher levels of inflammatory proteins and histamine, which trigger the immune system to produce hives. Hormonal imbalances during endometriosis can lead to acne-prone skin, especially around the time of your period. In fact, studies suggest that people with endometriosis may possibly have a higher risk of developing psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that can cause dry, red, scaly patches of skin across the body.

How Should You Cope With Endometriosis?

As wellness becomes the new big expense that millennials are focusing their energy on, we believe in tackling every health concern with suitable lifestyle changes. From yoga retreats and pickleball sessions to ice baths and sound bath meditations, we’re all about bringing out the best in ourselves. Dr Reddy adds “Diet modifications like incorporating anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce overall inflammation.” This would be foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish, chia seeds, and flaxseeds, along with increasing fibre intake. It is advisable to avoid dairy, gluten, sugar, and processed foods, as these can trigger inflammation and worsen symptoms. You can Keep snacks in your desk or work bag so you aren’t skipping meals during a busy day. Think: fibre, fruits, veggies, and healthy fats. It is also advisable to drink plenty of water during the day, and reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake.

A good wholesome diet and a regular exercise regime can definitely help improve or in some cases help with better pain management. According to Anushka Nandani Sawhney, fitness expert and co-founder of The Tribe India, “Exercising helps reduce inflammation, is an instant mood enhancer and when paired with a nourishing diet can also help stabilise any hormone disruptions. Exercise also strengthens the pelvic muscles that help manage endometriosis.” Himani Choudhary, a certified yoga instructor in Seattle also shares, “Yoga combines breath control, meditation, and physical postures, thereby offering a holistic approach to managing the symptoms of endometriosis.” Simple yoga poses like Child's Pose (Balasana), Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana), Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) among others help release tension in the pelvic region, increase blood flow, and relax the muscles surrounding the uterus and ovaries. Endometriosis is often accompanied by stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue due to chronic pain. Breathwork (Pranayama) is a powerful tool in yoga that calms the nervous system, reduces stress, and helps lower the body’s pain response.