Women with endometriosis are significantly more likely to experience early or surgical menopause, according to new research from the University of Queensland (UQ).
A major international study found that women with endometriosis are seven times more likely to undergo surgical menopause, where both ovaries are removed, and are also at greater risk of premature menopause (before age 40) or early menopause (between ages 40 and 44).
Dr. Hsin-Fang Chung from UQ’s School of Public Health said although it is known that endometriosis and its treatment can affect egg quality and quantity, little research has focused on how the condition influences the timing of menopause.
Professor Gita Mishra, the study’s senior author, warned that both early and surgical menopause are linked to serious health problems, including heart disease and early death.
“To prevent or manage early menopause, especially when medically induced, we need to understand its causes and take steps to reduce long-term health risks,” Professor Mishra said.
The research, which used data from almost 280,000 women across Australia, the UK, Sweden, and Japan, is the largest study so far to explore menopause patterns in women with endometriosis. The data spans from 1996 to 2022 and is part of the InterLACE project, an international collaboration studying women’s reproductive health and chronic disease over time.
Endometriosis is a painful and chronic inflammatory disease. It affects one in seven Australian women and occurs when tissue similar to the womb lining grows in other parts of the body.
Dr. Chung hopes the findings will help shape new guidelines for managing endometriosis, highlighting the need for long-term care.
“Women with endometriosis should know they face higher risks of early or induced menopause,” she said. “They should see their GP regularly to monitor chronic disease risk and focus on prevention.”
Dr. Chung’s next research will look at how endometriosis affects the long-term risks of chronic illness.
These findings will be presented at the 16th World Congress on Endometriosis in Sydney later this month.
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