A recent study has found that women with endometriosis may experience menopause significantly earlier than their peers. According to the research, those with endometriosis undergo surgical menopause, which involves the removal of ovaries, an average of 19 months earlier and natural menopause around five months sooner than women without the condition.
Endometriosis is a health issue affecting about one in ten women of reproductive age. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, often leading to severe pain, infertility, and heavy periods. The study examined data from over 279,000 women across several countries, including the UK, Australia, Sweden, and Japan, between 1996 and 2022.
Dr. Hsin-Fang Chung from the University of Queensland led the study, which highlighted that women with endometriosis are also 7 times more likely to undergo surgical menopause. Furthermore, they are twice as likely to experience menopause before the age of 40.
While symptoms like pain and infertility are commonly addressed in treatment guidelines for endometriosis, menopause-related concerns were previously overlooked. Dr. Chung hopes this new evidence will encourage changes in how healthcare providers manage endometriosis, particularly regarding the risk of early menopause and its potential health impacts.
Dr. Gino Pecoraro, president of the National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, supported the study’s findings, noting that endometriosis is a hormone-sensitive condition that can contribute to early menopause. He emphasized the need for women with endometriosis to regularly consult their doctors to monitor any risks associated with menopause and chronic diseases.
Women experiencing endometriosis should be informed about their increased risk for early or medically induced menopause. As the study suggests, this knowledge can help them make better health decisions and prepare for potential symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes.
