Endometriosis patients often grapple with a range of debilitating symptoms and limited treatment options. But now, research from the University of Queensland suggests that these women are significantly more likely to experience premature menopause.

The study found that women with endometriosis are seven times more likely to undergo surgical menopause, involving the removal of both ovaries, compared to those without the condition. They’re also twice as likely to have this procedure before the age of 40.

Furthermore, endometriosis sufferers are at an increased risk of entering menopause without medical intervention earlier than others. They are 1.4 times more likely to experience natural menopause before reaching 40, a phase known as premature menopause.

These women also face a higher likelihood of early menopause, defined as occurring between the ages of 40 and 44. However, it’s not just the broad spectrum of debilitating menopause symptoms that these women need to be aware of before they reach midlife.

Premature menopause, whether surgically induced or natural, has been associated with various other health problems. These include cardiovascular disease and premature death.

Professor Gita Mishra, senior author, emphasised the importance of understanding early or medically induced menopause. She said: “Preventing or managing early or medically induced menopause requires a comprehensive understanding of its underlying causes and proactive measures to address the long-term health risks associated with it.”

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Hsin-Fang Chung advised: “Women with endometriosis should be aware that they may be at increased risk of early or induced menopause, visit their GP regularly to check for chronic disease risk factors, and focus on prevention strategies.” Their recent study on this matter has been published in the Human Reproduction journal and is set to be highlighted at the 16th World Congress on Endometriosis in Sydney later this month.

Endometriosis affects one in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK. It is a persistent condition where tissue similar to the womb lining appears in other body parts, according to the NHS.

Previously, research revealed the average time to receive an endometriosis diagnosis is nearly nine years, a significant delay causing patients to miss out on crucial treatments and potentially leading to irreversible organ damage due to the continued growth of the errant tissue. According to Endometriosis UK, common symptoms of the condition include:

• Pelvic pain
• Painful periods that interfere with daily life
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pain during or after sex
• Painful bowel movements/when having a poo
• Pain when urinating/peeing
• Difficulty getting pregnant – up to 70% of those with endometriosis will be able to conceive naturally
• Fatigue, accompanied by one or more of the above symptoms