Endometriosis found to influence blood pressure and stress response

Endometriosis impacts how women’s bodies respond to feedback, according to researchers from Penn State Department of Kinesiology.¹

The team found that the functions of the autonomic nervous system, which manage parts of the body not usually controlled through conscious thought, are influenced by endometriosis. These include blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, which have significant implications for the diagnosis and management of endometriosis.¹

“Medical science understands very little about endometriosis, so in order to diagnose and treat the disease effectively, we need to grasp the full scope of the disease and what it is doing to women throughout their bodies,” said Auni Williams, MS, postdoctoral fellow in kinesiology at Penn State.¹

Traditional treatments may not address all symptoms

Endometriosis is traditionally treated through surgery to remove the lesions growing outside the pelvic region. However, while this provides pain relief, other symptoms, such as decreased blood pressure response, are not impacted.¹

The blood pressure responses were assessed across 2 experiments with 21 participants, 12 of whom presented with endometriosis and 9 of whom were healthy controls. The first experience included measuring patients’ heart rates and blood pressure, having them place their hand in cold water for 3 minutes, then retaking the measurements for an additional 15 minutes.¹

In the other experiment, participants squeezed a tool as hard as they could to measure grip strength, then were allowed to rest and have their heart rate and blood pressure recover. This was followed by squeezing the tool at 30% of their maximum strength for 2 minutes. Blood pressure was measured before the 2-minute period ended, then for another 5 minutes.¹

Lower blood pressure in endometriosis patients

Investigators hypothesized that greater increases in blood pressure would be observed among women with endometriosis, as the condition has been linked to increased diabetes, high cholesterol, and artery disease risks. Additionally, increased blood pressure after physical activity has previously been observed in patients with endometriosis.¹

However, decreased blood pressure was reported in women with endometriosis vs healthy controls following both the cold water and grip strength experiments. A mean change in arterial pressure of 21±16 mm HG was reported in endometriosis patients following the cold water experiment, vs 34±20 mm Hg in controls.²

Following the hand grip experiment, mean changes in blood pressure were 12±13/13±10 mm Hg and 24±14/20±8 mm Hg, respectively. Aspirin did not influence blood pressure response in either experiment.²

Reduced neurological stress response may explain symptoms

This data indicated a reduced neurological response to stress among women with endometriosis, which investigators have hypothesized may be the source of lightheadedness in patients with the condition.¹ This highlights how endometriosis may lead to non-reproductive symptoms, including impaired cardiovascular system function.

According to researchers, this data highlights a need to treat endometriosis systemically. Women should report their symptoms to their doctor, including those such as lightheadedness, which may seem unrelated at first.¹

Endometriosis patients may address low blood pressure through increased water consumption and potentially increasing salt intake in consultation with a doctor. According to researchers, this may help prevent lightheadedness, especially during exertion.¹

Potential for earlier diagnosis

Endometriosis impacts approximately 10% of women worldwide, with diagnosis taking up to 6 and a half years. However, these symptoms highlight a potentially less invasive method of diagnosing patients.¹

“Tests like these could be conducted during a routine office visit and potentially prevent years of unnecessary suffering,” said Lacy Alexander, PhD, study co-author and professor of kinesiology at Penn State.¹

References

1. Endometriosis affects more systems in women’s bodies than previously understood. Penn State. August 20, 2025. Accessed August 25, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1095365.
2. Williams AC, Alexander LM. Altered blood pressure reflexes in women with endometriosis. Hypertension. 2025;82(9). doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.125.25089