Physical therapy and psychological intervention normalize cortisol levels and improve vitality in women with endometriosis

Karina Friggi Sebe Petrelluzzi, Friggi Sebe Petrelluzzi K, Márcia Carvalho Garcia, Marcia Carvalho Garcia, Garcia MC, Carlos Alberto Petta, Petta CA, Daniel Araki Ribeiro, de Oliveira Monteiro NR, Nancy Ramacciotti de Oliveira Monteiro, Nancy Ramacciotti de Oliveira-Monteiro, Isabel Cristina Céspedes, Regina Celia Spadari, Regina Célia Spadari, Spadari RC
Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology · 2012 · vol. 33(4) , pp. 191–198 · doi:10.3109/0167482x.2012.729625 · PMID:23094607 · W2074504195
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A 10-week physical and psychological therapy protocol reduced perceived stress, normalized cortisol levels, and improved vitality and physical functioning in women with endometriosis.

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Abstract

There is as yet no effective treatment for endometriosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of submitting women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain to a therapeutic protocol involving physical and psychological therapy. Twenty-six female volunteers were submitted to a treatment protocol consisting of 2.5-h sessions, once a week for 10 weeks. We applied a Visual Analogue Scale, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Morning, afternoon, and evening levels of cortisol were determined in saliva samples. The PSQ scores were significantly lower after treatment, whereas the scores for the SF-36 vitality and physical functioning domains were significantly higher. Salivary cortisol levels were higher after treatment in the samples collected in the morning, but not in those collected in the afternoon or evening. The post-treatment cortisol levels were similar to those reported for healthy women. There were positive correlations between vitality, role emotional, social functioning, and mental health, and negative correlations to perceived stress. In conclusion, the physical and psychological intervention protocol applied in this study to women suffering of endometriosis was effective in reducing perceived stress, normalizing cortisol levels, increasing vitality and improving physical functioning.

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Condition tags

endometriosischronic_pelvic_pain

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Endometriosis Exercise Therapy Hydrocortisone Physical Fitness Women's Health Adult Brazil Combined Modality Therapy Endometriosis Endometriosis Exercise Therapy Female Health Behavior Health Education Health Education Humans Hydrocortisone Middle Aged

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