What question did this study set out to answer?

This review aims to evaluate the link between endometriosis and various mental health outcomes in affected women.

May 10, 2026Open Access

Selected Parameters of the Mental State of Women with Endometriosis—A Systematic Review

Key Points

This review aims to evaluate the link between endometriosis and various mental health outcomes in affected women.
Conducted a systematic literature search across PubMed, Europe PMC, and Google Scholar from 2015 to 2025.
Screened and included 93 studies focused on psychological outcomes in women diagnosed with endometriosis.
Analyzed studies qualitatively based on predefined inclusion criteria.
Higher prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety was noted in women with endometriosis compared to control groups.
Significant reductions in health-related quality of life were consistently reported across the included studies.
Chronic pelvic pain, especially its intensity and persistence, was identified as a major factor influencing psychological distress.

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disorder affecting millions of women worldwide and constitutes a major cause of chronic pelvic pain and reduced quality of life. Increasing evidence suggests that the burden of the disease extends beyond physical symptoms and includes substantial psychological distress. This systematic review aimed to summarize current evidence regarding the association between endometriosis and mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, and quality of life. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Europe PMC, and Google Scholar to identify studies published between 2015 and 2025 evaluating psychological outcomes in women diagnosed with endometriosis. Studies were screened according to predefined inclusion criteria and analyzed qualitatively. A total of 93 studies were included in the final review. Results: Women with endometriosis consistently demonstrated higher prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms and anxiety compared with control populations. Health-related quality of life was significantly reduced across studies. Chronic pelvic pain, particularly its intensity, persistence, and neuropathic-like characteristics, emerged as a key factor mediating the relationship between endometriosis and psychological distress. Additional contributors included sleep disturbances, fatigue, impaired sexual functioning, reduced self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. Emerging evidence also suggests that chronic inflammation, neuroimmune interactions, and gut–brain axis dysregulation may contribute to the coexistence of endometriosis and mood disorders. Conclusions: Endometriosis is associated with adverse mental health outcomes and reduced quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of multidisciplinary management strategies integrating pain control, psychological assessment, and psychosocial interventions to improve overall patient well-being.

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