Estudo sobre o estresse psicológico em mulheres com endometriose

Abstract

This study aims to understand the influence of stress on the physical and psychological health of women with endometriosis through national and international studies. To this end, an exploratory literature review of a qualitative nature was carried out, in the VHL-Regional database, using the descriptors endometriosis and psychological stress, published between 2018 and 2023, resulting in 15 articles for analysis: four field research carried out with animals ( rats); two literature reviews with animals and women with endometriosis; a literature review only with women with endometriosis; six field surveys with women with endometriosis and two field surveys with women with and without endometriosis. Research, which used women diagnosed with endometriosis and animal experiments, shows that there is strong evidence that stress promotes chemical imbalance in the body, causing increased inflammation, which worsens outbreaks and symptoms such as pain. Studies indicate that the most common stressors in this context are pelvic pain, chronicity of the disease, infertility, late diagnosis, limited treatments and neglect on the part of family, friends, health professionals and others in relation to symptoms experienced by women with endometriosis. The physical and mental consequences of stress are the increase in pelvic pain and the promotion, or worsening, of depression and anxiety respectively. Strategies for coping with stress in women with endometriosis are those that promote stress reduction through psychotherapy, multidisciplinary treatment, surgical removal of lesions and improvement in quality of life through an anti-inflammatory diet and physical exercise. It is concluded from the studies analyzed and accessed through the literature review that there is a relationship between stress and the emergence, or worsening, of endometriosis. There is still a need for more studies to better understand how this disease works, as well as the most viable ways to develop higher quality treatments for these women.