A major US study has found that women with a history of endometriosis face a 31% higher risk of dying prematurely—before the age of 70—compared to those without the condition. The findings come from the Nurses’ Health Study II, which tracked over 110,000 women since 1993.
According to the study, the rate of premature death was 2 per 1,000 person-years for women with endometriosis, versus 1.4 for those without. In contrast, uterine fibroids did not appear to increase the overall risk of early death. However, women with fibroids had a higher risk of dying from gynaecological cancers.
Published in The BMJ, the research is being praised for its thoroughness. It draws on nearly 30 years of data, uses confirmed diagnoses, and controls for key factors that could influence results. Experts say its large sample size and long follow-up period make its findings particularly strong.
Despite its strengths, the study has some limitations. Diagnostic methods have changed over time, which may affect the accuracy of the findings. Additionally, most participants were US nurses, which could limit how well the results apply to more diverse populations. The study also did not fully explore the role of oophorectomy (removal of ovaries), a common procedure among women with these conditions, which could influence cancer and heart disease risk.
A Step Forward in Understanding Women’s Health
This study offers new insights into how conditions like endometriosis and fibroids affect mortality. Previous research linked them to chronic illnesses, but this study goes further by focusing on death rates—especially those related to cancer.
One key finding is the possible protective role of hysterectomy in women with fibroids. Those who had the surgery showed lower mortality risks, especially from gynaecological causes. Researchers now want to know whether less invasive surgeries, like myomectomy, might offer similar benefits while preserving the uterus.
Calls for Early Detection and Personalised Care
The findings support the need for early diagnosis and personalised treatment plans. Clinicians are encouraged to adopt a more proactive and multidisciplinary approach to managing these conditions.
From a policy perspective, the study highlights the importance of improving access to care and reducing delays in diagnosis. Public health campaigns could help raise awareness and promote earlier intervention.
What Comes Next?
Future studies should examine how newer diagnostic techniques and more conservative treatments affect long-term health outcomes. There’s also a need for better tools to measure how these conditions impact women’s quality of life and decision-making in their care.
In conclusion, this research adds valuable evidence to the discussion around women’s health. While it reinforces concerns about the long-term risks of endometriosis, it also opens the door for improvements in care, diagnosis, and health policy.
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