Research Identifies Connection Between Endometriosis and Premature Menopause
Women with endometriosis may face an increased risk of early or surgical menopause, potentially leading to various long-term health complications. A comprehensive global study has revealed this connection, analyzed from health data of nearly 280,000 women in Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Sweden.
According to the research, women with endometriosis are more likely to undergo menopause prematurely, whether naturally or through surgery. The risk of surgical menopause, brought about by the removal of both ovaries, is seven times higher for women with endometriosis compared to those without the condition. On average, surgical menopause in women with endometriosis occurs about 1.5 years earlier than for others. Natural menopause also happens earlier, but by a smaller margin, around five months.
The study defines early menopause as occurring before the age of 45, and especially before 40, which is considered premature. Women with endometriosis are twice as likely to experience surgical menopause before turning 40 and are also more likely to experience natural menopause at an early age.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the uterus lining in places it shouldn't, such as on the ovaries or other organs. It affects about one in seven women in Australia and numerous women worldwide, and has already been linked to issues with fertility, chronic pain, and now, the timing of menopause.
Since the protective effects of estrogen are lost during menopause, causing early menopause can lead to significant health risks, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and a shorter lifespan. The study underscores the importance of regular checkups, early screening, and discussions about preserving fertility for women with endometriosis.
doctors are now considering updating the management of endometriosis in light of these findings, potentially including more frequent monitoring, early screening for other health issues, and conversations about fertility preservation. Future research will delve deeper into how endometriosis might contribute to other chronic illnesses.
The results of this study will be presented at an upcoming world conference on endometriosis and have already been published in a reputable medical journal. This research highlights the need for increased focus and awareness about endometriosis, a condition that often goes undiagnosed for years and can have far-reaching implications for women's health. Being informed is crucial for protecting one's future.
[1] Cardiovascular Disease Risk Associated with Early Menopause: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Menopause. 2018 Sep; 25(9): 801–808.[2] Early Menopause and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Nov; 130(5): 921–929.
- Given the connection between endometriosis and an increased risk of early or surgical menopause, doctors are now reconsidering the management of women's health, potentially including more frequent monitoring, early screening for other health issues, and discussions about fertility preservation, particularly in women with endometriosis.
- The study also emphasizes the potential long-term health complications related to endometriosis, such as the increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to loss of estrogen during early menopause, making regular checkups, early screening, and informed discussions about future health implications crucial for women with endometriosis.
