Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Pei Shuang Li, Xue Mei Peng, Xiang Xin Niu, Ling Xu, Ernest Hung Yu Ng, Chi Chiu Wang, Jin Fang Dai, Jun Lu, Rui Ning Liang
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain. The results showed that acupuncture could relieve pain, shorten pain duration, and improve quality of life in patients. However, the efficacy decreased gradually after discontinuation of treatment.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Reyhaneh Gudarzi, Fatemeh Shabani, Sakineh Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, Elham Naghshineh, Elnaz Shaseb, Mojgan Mirghafourvand
Summary: This study aimed to determine the effect of curcumin on painful symptoms and quality of life in women with endometriosis. The results showed that curcumin did not have a significant impact on pain symptoms or quality of life. Future clinical trials are needed to further investigate the role of curcumin in endometriosis.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Maaike H. T. van Hoesel, Ya Li Chen, Ai Zheng, Qi Wan, Selma M. Mourad
Summary: Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition that can cause pain and infertility in women. The effectiveness and safety of selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in managing endometriosis are uncertain based on limited research. Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the role of SERMs in endometriosis treatment.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Matilda Shaked Ashkenazi, Ole Linvag Huseby, Gard Kroken, Marcela Trocha, Aurora Henriksson, Hanna Jasiak, Karen Cuartas, Alessandra Loschiavo, Isabella Kuhn, Dina Stove, Hanna Grindahl, Emilia Latour, Mathias Melbo, Katrine Holstad, Sebastian Kwiatkowski
Summary: This study surveyed 2964 participants from 59 countries to understand the symptomatology of endometriosis and assess the correlation between symptom severity and disease stage. The presentation of pain varied depending on the reported stage, with pain during and around menstruation being more prevalent in stage 1 compared to stage 4. Atypical presentation of pain was most commonly reported in stage 4, and pain solely related to triggering factors was the least common.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ting Bao, W. Iris Zhi, Raymond E. Baser, Q. Susan Li, Matthew Weitzman, Erin F. Gillespie, Mark Robson, Jun J. Mao
Summary: Both electro-acupuncture (EA) and battlefield auricular acupuncture (BFAA) were effective in reducing pain severity among breast cancer survivors, with EA being more effective. Additionally, both EA and BFAA improved the physical and mental health scores of the patients.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ting Bao, W. Iris Zhi, Raymond E. Baser, Q. Susan Li, Matthew Weitzman, Erin F. Gillespie, Mark Robson, Jun J. Mao
Summary: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture (EA) and battle field auricular acupuncture (BFAA) in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain among breast cancer survivors. It was found that EA was more effective than BFAA in reducing pain severity, but both interventions improved physical and mental health scores.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dwayne R. Tucker, Heather L. Noga, Caroline Lee, Derek S. Chiu, Mohamed A. Bedaiwy, Christina Williams, Catherine Allaire, Aline Talhouk, Paul J. Yong
Summary: A study found that preoperative pelvic pain comorbidities were negatively associated with pain-related quality of life after endometriosis surgery. Depression and musculoskeletal/myofascial pain (abdominal wall pain and pelvic floor myalgia) were the most important factors. Therefore, these pelvic pain comorbidities should be considered in a formal prediction model for pain outcomes after endometriosis surgery.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Pauline Wils, Benedicte Caron, Ferdinando D'Amico, Silvio Danese, Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifactorial etiology implicated in the chronic abdominal pain of IBD patients and highlights the necessity of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches for treatment. Integrating psychological support in care models of IBD can reduce disease burden and healthcare costs.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jacqueline A. Bohn, Kimberley A. Bullard, Maria I. Rodriguez, Amanda M. Ecker
Summary: The study evaluated the cost effectiveness of various sequential medical and surgical therapy strategies for endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea. Results showed that all treatment strategies were cost effective compared to surgery alone, with strategy 2 being the most cost-effective. Delaying surgical management after trying more than three medications may decrease quality of life and increase costs.
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kent Yu-Hsien Lin, Chih-Yi Yang, Alan Lam, Cherry Yin-Yi Chang, Wu-Chou Lin
Summary: This study found an association between uterine leiomyoma and increased risk of endometriosis over a 14-year period, with women diagnosed with uterine leiomyoma having a higher risk of developing endometriosis. The risk was particularly elevated in women with concurrent tube-ovarian infection, endometritis, infertility, or allergic diseases.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Claire Tourny, Amira Zouita, Samira El Kababi, Lea Feuillet, Ayoub Saeidi, Ismail Laher, Katja Weiss, Beat Knechtle, Hassane Zouhal
Summary: This article reviews the effects of physical activity on the management and quality of life in patients with endometriosis. The findings suggest that body awareness practices such as Hatha yoga and progressive muscle relaxation can reduce pain and stress and improve the quality of life associated with endometriosis. However, caution should be taken in considering patients' physical abilities and avoiding intense physical activities. More research is needed to explore nonmedicinal or surgical techniques for different forms of endometriosis and its symptoms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Rocio Fortun-Rabadan, Beatriz Sierra-Artal, Carolina Jimenez-Sanchez
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of monopolar dielectric radiofrequency in treating endometriosis-associated pain in women. The results showed that most participants achieved clinically meaningful improvements in pelvic pain, abdominal sensitivity, and myofascial pain of the pelvic floor.
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Grace De Hoyos, Darlenne Ramos-Sostre, Annelyn Torres-Reveron, Barbara Barros-Cartagena, Veronica Lopez-Rodriguez, Cristina Nieves-Vazquez, Fanny Santiago-Saavedra, Caroline B. Appleyard, Eida M. Castro, Idhaliz Flores
Summary: This study investigated the efficacy of an environmental enrichment (EE) intervention on patients with endometriosis through a randomized clinical trial. The results showed significant improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms, quality of life, and perceived stress in the patients who received the EE intervention. This supports the use of enriched environments as an adjunct to standard care for endometriosis pain.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Zoe Boersen, Laura de Kok, Moniek van der Zanden, Didi Braat, Joukje Oosterman, Annemiek Nap
Summary: The research revealed that patients undergoing endometriosis surgery generally believe that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) should be added to the treatment regimen to improve their quality of life. Participants preferred in-person individual or group therapy and emphasized the importance of custom-made treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Faezeh Khodaie, Naghmeh Abbasi, Amir Hooman Kazemi Motlagh, Baixiao Zhao, Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi
Summary: The review suggests that acupuncture can help improve symptoms and reduce relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis. It has positive effects on regulating the neuro-immune system, improving quality of life, reducing fatigue, improving bladder function, reducing spasms and pain, etc.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Alexandra Hawkey, K. Jane Chalmers, Sowbhagya Micheal, Helene Diezel, Mike Armour
Summary: This study explores the similarities and differences in the experiences of women with different causes of chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Regardless of the cause, women reported significant impacts on their intimate relationships, fertility, and parenting. However, women with non-endometriosis related CPP faced greater challenges in communicating about pelvic pain in the workplace due to the taboo nature of the topic.
FEMINISM & PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Sandro Graca, Mike Armour, Lara McClure
Summary: This study explores the treatment approach of American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM) Fellows in acupuncture clinics for individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The results show that practitioners take a pragmatic approach and consider patients' practical and financial considerations when determining treatment timings and frequency. Commonly used acupuncture points include SP6, SP9, LR3, EX-CA-1, and CV4, with rationales such as draining dampness, tonifying the spleen, and promoting qi and blood movement. Local anatomy, ovulation timing, and research literature on acupuncture for PCOS also influence point selection rationale.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Mike Armour, Justin Sinclair
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vibhuti Samarth Rao, Stephanie Cowan, Mike Armour, Caroline A. Smith, Birinder S. Cheema, Lisa Moran, Siew Lim, Sabrina Gupta, Michael De Manincor, Vikram Sreedhar, Carolyn Ee
Summary: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is highly prevalent in women of Indian ethnicity and clinical practice guidelines have not adequately considered ethnic-cultural differences in diagnosing and caring for women with PCOS. Ethnic Indian women with PCOS experience early onset of symptoms, delayed medical help seeking, and dissatisfaction with information provided on PCOS and its treatment options. Improving timely diagnosis, cultural-specific education on lifestyle and weight management, and providing better psycho-emotional support are important areas for clinical practice and future research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ciara Hanly, Mathew Leonardi, Allie Eathorne, Mike Armour
Summary: This study aimed to determine the impact of the diagnostic method (clinical, diagnostic imaging, or diagnostic laparoscopy) of endometriosis on the individual's sense of control over their disease and their perceived access to social supports. The results showed that the diagnostic method did not have a clinically significant impact on an individual's sense of control over their disease nor their access to social supports, but further research is needed.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Mike Armour, Justin Sinclair
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Mike Armour, Donna Ciccia, Anusch Yazdani, Luk Rombauts, Leesa Van Nieker, Ruth Schubert, Jason Abbott
Summary: In Australia, one in nine women and those assigned female at birth are affected by endometriosis. Despite being more common than conditions like diabetes, research funding for endometriosis has been historically low. The National Action Plan for Endometriosis, initiated by the Australian Federal Government, aims to address this imbalance by prioritizing research funding and involving consumer input in determining funding allocation.
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Tania Ferfolja, Kathryn Holmes, Christina Curry, Kelly Sherry, Kelly Parry, Mike Armour
Summary: Menstrual management is recognized as a critical issue for young people internationally, yet there is little research on this topic in school education. This paper presents the findings of a survey conducted in Australia, which explored the experiences of 5007 young women aged 13-25 regarding menstruation and dysmenorrhea. The study focuses on the participants' qualitative responses, specifically regarding suggestions for how schools can better support girls during their period. Six key themes were identified, highlighting the importance of sanitation, pain management, stigma reduction, adequate breaks, and consideration. The findings underscore the challenges menstruating young people face at school and emphasize the need for school improvement in this area.
AUSTRALIAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHER
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Justin Sinclair, Jason Abbott, Andrew Proudfoot, Mike Armour
Summary: Cannabis has gained attention for its potential therapeutic use in gynecological disorders, especially endometriosis. Despite lacking clinical trial data, retrospective data and surveys suggest that cannabis may reduce pelvic pain and other related symptoms. However, obstacles like legal restrictions, cost, and social stigma hinder the widespread adoption of medical cannabis.
Review
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Vibhuti Samarth Rao, Mike Armour, Kishor Patwardhan, Birinder S. S. Cheema, Caroline Smith, Rashmi Sharma, Carolyn Ee
Summary: This study provides an overview of the research conducted on the use of Ayurveda in managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The study found that Ayurveda interventions show promise in alleviating symptoms of PCOS, but there are several areas that require further research, such as exploring a wider range of interventions, investigating the effectiveness of Ayurveda treatments as an adjunct to biomedical treatments, examining a broader range of treatment outcomes, and rigorously reporting safety and adverse events.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Toobah Farooqi, Deep Jyoti Bhuyan, Mitchell Low, Justin Sinclair, Mathew Leonardi, Mike Armour, Valentino Remorgida
Summary: This narrative review explores the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the gut microbiota in endometriosis. The review finds that both the ECS and microbiota influence endometriosis, with the former regulating inflammation and pain perception and the latter influencing immune responses and hormonal balance. Dysregulation of the ECS and the gut microbiota can impact endometriosis symptoms and progression.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Danielle Howe, Sarah Duffy, Michelle O'Shea, Alex Hawkey, Jon Wardle, Sophia Gerontakos, Linda Steele, Emilee Gilbert, Lara Owen, Donna Ciccia, Emma Cox, Rebecca Redmond, Mike Armour
Summary: This paper presents a scoping review of global evidence on interventions aimed at supporting women to manage menstruation, menstrual disorders, and menopause at work. The review found that most interventions focused on menopause, with a majority of studies conducted in the UK and EU-member countries. There is limited research on how women may be supported to manage symptoms associated with menstrual disorders at work. Future policies should consider better support for women in managing menstruation and menstrual disorders at work, and emphasize the importance of co-design during policy development and post-intervention evaluation.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nora Giese, Emilee Gilbert, Alexandra Hawkey, Mike Armour
Summary: This research project aims to explore research priorities and factors shaping participation in endometriosis research from the perspective of people with endometriosis in Australia. The study found that patients were interested in non-invasive diagnostic tools and holistic treatment approaches. They urgently desired research on treatment options for symptom management, with many prioritising non-hormonal treatments. The main drivers for participating in endometriosis research were hope for symptom improvement and a reduction in time to diagnosis.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Christina Curry, Tania Ferfolja, Kathryn Holmes, Kelly Parry, M. Sherry, Mike Armour
Summary: Menstrual health literacy has a significant impact on young people's quality of life, health, academic and professional performance. In Australia, the Health and Physical Education (HPE) curriculum provides opportunities for students to develop menstrual health literacy. However, findings from a survey involving 5007 young Australian women aged 13-25 reveal limitations in educational approaches taken by teachers, potentially leading to inadequate menstrual health knowledge and long-term negative health consequences.
CURRICULUM STUDIES IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
(2023)