Slight Increase in Early Mortality Risk Linked to Endometriosis
Study finds a connection between endometriosis and a modestly increased risk of premature mortality.
TroibNews 
A large U.S.-based study published on Thursday found that women suffering from common conditions such as endometriosis or uterine growths face a slightly elevated risk of dying before the age of 70.
Globally, one in 10 women endure endometriosis, a chronic condition characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the womb. Additionally, it is estimated that up to a quarter of women have non-cancerous uterine growths known as uterine fibroids.
Despite the prevalence of these conditions, both endometriosis and uterine fibroids are often regarded as under-researched issues, with some attributing this oversight to a historically male-centric medical establishment that has neglected health issues impacting women.
Previous studies have linked these conditions to an increased risk of serious illnesses, including heart disease and certain cancers.
The recent study published in the British Medical Journal analyzed health data from over 110,000 women in the United States, who have been under observation every two years since 1989. It’s important to note that observational research like this cannot establish definitive cause and effect.
The analysis revealed that women with one or both of these conditions had a slightly heightened risk of dying before reaching 70. This increased risk was attributed to the likelihood of developing other health issues previously associated with these conditions.
In the case of uterine fibroids, the link to early mortality was correlated with a higher risk of gynecological cancers. These cancers also accounted for a significant portion of deaths among women with endometriosis, along with other health issues like heart and respiratory diseases.
The study indicated that women with endometriosis had a risk of dying before 70 that was between nine and 30 percent higher compared to those without these related health conditions.
"These findings highlight the importance" of medical practitioners monitoring these health problems in patients with endometriosis and uterine fibroids, the study's authors stated.
While these health conditions have historically received insufficient attention, they are increasingly being recognized by researchers and policymakers. This is especially true for endometriosis, a condition that can lead to severe pain during menstruation and infertility, and for which no cure currently exists.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Globally, one in 10 women endure endometriosis, a chronic condition characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the womb. Additionally, it is estimated that up to a quarter of women have non-cancerous uterine growths known as uterine fibroids.
Despite the prevalence of these conditions, both endometriosis and uterine fibroids are often regarded as under-researched issues, with some attributing this oversight to a historically male-centric medical establishment that has neglected health issues impacting women.
Previous studies have linked these conditions to an increased risk of serious illnesses, including heart disease and certain cancers.
The recent study published in the British Medical Journal analyzed health data from over 110,000 women in the United States, who have been under observation every two years since 1989. It’s important to note that observational research like this cannot establish definitive cause and effect.
The analysis revealed that women with one or both of these conditions had a slightly heightened risk of dying before reaching 70. This increased risk was attributed to the likelihood of developing other health issues previously associated with these conditions.
In the case of uterine fibroids, the link to early mortality was correlated with a higher risk of gynecological cancers. These cancers also accounted for a significant portion of deaths among women with endometriosis, along with other health issues like heart and respiratory diseases.
The study indicated that women with endometriosis had a risk of dying before 70 that was between nine and 30 percent higher compared to those without these related health conditions.
"These findings highlight the importance" of medical practitioners monitoring these health problems in patients with endometriosis and uterine fibroids, the study's authors stated.
While these health conditions have historically received insufficient attention, they are increasingly being recognized by researchers and policymakers. This is especially true for endometriosis, a condition that can lead to severe pain during menstruation and infertility, and for which no cure currently exists.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
