Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist and Ask a Doctor columnist at The Washington Post, will host a live chat on Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern time to address questions on gastrointestinal issues. She will provide insights based on the latest research but cannot offer personal medical advice.
Scientists have discovered a genetic link between endometriosis and various digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A study analyzing data from nearly 190,000 women found that those with endometriosis were at a higher risk of developing certain gastrointestinal conditions. The researchers identified specific regions of the genome that contain key gene variants associated with both endometriosis and these GI disorders. This genetic data could potentially be used to develop new drugs or repurpose existing ones to treat both endometriosis and GI problems simultaneously. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to investigate endometriosis in patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms.