Endometriosis

Causes & Prevention

Toxic environmental pollutants must be considered a possible cause of endometriosis

The Endometriosis Association cites a study that found that "... 79% of a group of monkeys developed endometriosis after exposure to dioxin in their food during a research study over ten years earlier. The severity of endometriosis found in the monkeys was directly related to the amount ... to which they had been exposed. Monkeys that were fed dioxin in amounts as small as five parts per trillion developed endometriosis. In addition, the dioxin-exposed monkeys showed immune abnormalities similar to those observed in women with endometriosis."

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.

Dioxins and cancer link is raising concerns in Delaware. Vietnam Veterans are at double risk.

The National Academy of Sciences has confirmed that dioxin is known or likely to cause cancer, possible birth defects, and other health problems. According to the Delaware News Journal, "Delaware ranks No. 1 in the nation in the production of dioxins, dioxins, furans and dioxinlike polychlorinated biphenyls, industrial byproducts that in some cases are routinely trickled into the Delaware River." "The Edge Moor wastewater plant, the Delaware City refinery and the Wilmington Amtrak repair shops are among the region's top sources of dioxins and dioxinlike PCBs."

What causes endometriosis? Links have been found to PCBs and Phthalates

Environmental Health News presents 3 studies linking endometriosis to phthalates and PCBs in the environment.

A case-control study of Indian women finds higher blood levels of phthalates are associated with the diagnosis of endometriosis