Exercise and health conditions in young women

Endometriosis

Simply put, endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological condition where cells similar to those found within the uterus are found outside the uterus. It affects not only the pelvic region but also the nervous system, leading to central pain sensitisation [2], or in other words where your brain and spinal cord can become overly sensitive to pain signals.

Endometriosis affects approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age worldwide (approximately 176 million women) within clinical symptoms such as pelvic pain (50-80%), infertility (50%), period pain and mental illness (87%) [3]. There is good news though, in recent years there has been significantly more research and awareness around endometriosis, so we are starting to get a much better idea not only about what the condition is, but also how to treat and manage it.

Research has shown that exercise could be a good tool in managing symptoms associated with endometriosis, in particular quality of life and pain relief [4]. However, a personalised approach must be undertaken that also ensures that the overly sensitised central nervous system does not become further sensitised from more high-intensity forms of exercise (heavy weight lifting, sprinting etc.), with some studies reporting adverse effects of exercise on pain and function in women with endometriosis [5]. This is why it is important to see a professional expert in exercise management for endometriosis, who will personally support you in finding what exercise modality best suits your goals, your body, and your lifestyle.

This could be why types of exercise like Pilates, which have a heavy focus on mindful movement and tuning into one’s mind and body, have such good outcomes for women with endometriosis. From our clinical experience it can be so important to find calm and a positive movement experience, and then building in exercise challenges when you and your body are ready.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is an endocrine* condition that affects 9.2% of women in reproductive age [6]. Symptoms include fluctuations in your menstrual cycle, infertility, acne, excessive hair production on face and body, hair thinning, weight gain (particularly around the belly). If you have PCOS you are also more likely to have Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, heart disease, and some cancers [7], as well as mental health implications [8]. In summary, it is a complex and chronic condition that can affect multiple parts of your body and have a significant impact on your quality of life.

Exercise has been shown to be effective for multiple symptoms or risk factors associated with PCOS. Positive benefits have been shown in weight management, insulin resistance, blood lipid profile, blood pressure regulation, mental health and physical fitness [9]. In particular, there is more and more evidence supporting moderate- to high-intensity strength training over aerobic training (running, cycling etc.) in managing symptoms of PCOS [9].