Endometriosis features and dienogest tolerability in women with depression: a case-control study.

Objective: Primary aim of this study was to investigate endometriosis characteristics of patients with psychiatric conditions or depression. The secondary aim was to study tolerability of dienogest in this context.

Methods: This observational case-control study included endometriosis data from patients visiting our clinic from 2015-2021. We collected information from patient charts and in phone interviews based on a structured survey. Patients with surgical confirmed endometriosis were included.

Results: 344 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria:  = 255 no psychiatric disorder,  = 119 any psychiatric disorder and  = 70 depression. Patients with depression (EM-D, =.018; =.035) or psychiatric condition (EM-P, =.020; =.048) suffered more often from dyspareunia and dyschezia. EM-P patients had more often primary dysmenorrhoea with higher pain scores (=.045). rASRM stage or localisation of lesions did not differ. EM-D and EM-P patients discontinued dienogest treatment more often related to worsening of mood (= .001, =.002).

Conclusion: EM-D or EM-P had a higher prevalence of pain symptoms. This could not be attributed to differences in rASRM stage or location of endometriosis lesions. Strong primary dysmenorrhoea might predispose to develop chronic pain-based psychological symptoms. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are relevant. Gynaecologist should be aware of the potential impact of dienogest on mood.