Levels of cortisol, prolactin and cytokines in patients with endometriosis comparing with other gynaecologic diseases

The aim of our study was to evaluate the immunologic status and stress response in women presenting with endometriosis. Twenty-one women affected by endometriosis, 15 women with other gynecological diseases and 15 healthy female blood donors were enrolled in the study. All subjects presenting with endometriosis or other gynecological diseases had higher NK (CD56) percentages and serum concentrations of prolactin IL-12 and TNF-alpha than healthy controls. The CD4+ T lymphocyte subpopulation was significantly reduced only in women with endometriosis. No differences were found in the psychological stress status.