Heartburn as a symptom of endometriosis

Heartburn in endometriosis

Heartburn is not actually a disease, but a symptom of a disease: what is commonly called heartburn is triggered by a reflux disorder, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this condition, stomach acid flows into the esophagus, leading to the typical symptoms of heartburn:

• Burning and/or pain behind the breastbone
• A feeling of pressure and fullness in the stomach
• Belching, with stomach acid sometimes reaching up into the throat
• Cough and sore throat (especially while lying down or after lying down)
• Stomach pain

Heartburn is a very nonspecific symptom, but it often occurs in patients with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is characterized by growths of tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) developing outside the uterus. Like the endometrium itself, these growths first build up and then bleed. If the blood remains in the body, it can cause inflammation, adhesions, and scarring. Cysts can also form. These endometriosis lesions are particularly common in the pelvis, but all other organs in the abdominal cavity can be affected. In theory, the stomach itself can also be affected by endometriosis lesions, although this is very rare in practice.

In most cases, heartburn in patients with endometriosis arises from one of the following causes:

• Endometriosis lesion involving the stomach: Although it is very rare, growths on the stomach can be the cause of heartburn.
• Medications: Many medications cause heartburn. On the one hand, they can stimulate gastric acid production. This group includes, for example, pain relievers such as ibuprofen. On the other hand, there are medications that relax muscles, which also affects the lower esophageal sphincter. This includes psychotropic drugs used to treat depression, which many patients with endometriosis also experience.
• Dietary supplements: Many patients with endometriosis have iron deficiency and therefore receive iron supplements. These can trigger heartburn.
• Stress: Stress increases the risk of heartburn. Because of persistent pain and other symptoms, many patients with endometriosis have very high stress levels.