Impact of antioxidant interventions on the oxidative imbalance of endometriosis and their effects on clinical symptoms: an integrative review

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects women of reproductive age and is associated with pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. Recent evidence indicates that oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathophysiology of the disease, promoting peritoneal inflammation, cell proliferation, and implantation of ectopic endometrial tissue. In this context, antioxidant therapy has been investigated as a complementary strategy in the management of endometriosis, aiming to reduce the production of reactive oxygen species and minimize cellular damage. This article aims to conduct an integrative literature review on the effects of antioxidant use in women with endometriosis. This study was based on the analysis of articles found in PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS, using descriptors related to endometriosis, oxidative stress, and antioxidants. Twenty-eight articles were analyzed in the three databases mentioned, resulting in 10 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that antioxidant supplementation represents a promising approach in the adjuvant treatment of endometriosis and may contribute to the reduction of pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and levels of lipid peroxidation markers, such as malondialdehyde, although more controlled clinical trials are needed to standardize its use.