Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition that is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissues in areas outside of the uterus, namely in the ovaries or even outside of the pelvis [2] (see Figure 1). It is an inflammatory condition that is often associated with pelvic pain and infertility [4]. Adenomyosis is a condition where the endometrial tissue breaks through the muscle wall (myometrium) of the uterus and causes pain, among other symptoms (see Figure 2). Both endometriosis and adenomyosis are very similar, and are often studied together in a variety of research, as outlined in the studies being discussed shortly.

Not much is known about the definite causes of endometriosis and adenomyosis or how the disorders develop and why; however, it has been found that there is a 6.7-year delay in diagnosis from the appearance of the first symptoms of endometriosis [3]. Adenomyosis diagnoses are also often delayed and underdiagnosed [1]. These factors may greatly reduce the quality of life of many women who suffer from the conditions but don’t receive a diagnosis and, therefore, no proper treatment. As there are no cures for endometriosis or adenomyosis, the treatments available are mainly to alleviate pain symptoms. These treatments include pain medication, hormone therapy, and surgical treatments.

A Danish study that surveyed 171,447 girls born between 1930 and 1996 seeked to determine whether birth weight, childhood body mass index (BMI), and/or childhood height was associated with risks of endometriosis and adenomyosis [1]. The weight and height of these girls was measured from ages 7 to 13, and it was found that 2149 had endometriosis and 1410 had adenomyosis [1]. The results of the study indicated that a lower childhood BMI and taller stature was associated with a higher risk of endometriosis later in life, whereas a higher BMI and shorter stature was found to be moderately protective [1]. Currently, the biological reasons as to why this correlation exists is unknown, seeing as the origins of endometriosis and adenomyosis are not definitively known either. Furthermore, no correlations were found for adenomyosis or the impact of birth weight on risk [1].

The findings of this study now provide some early life indicators that may speed up the process of diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. This will greatly improve the quality of life of many women with this condition, since proper treatment and pain management can be administered early on as a result of these indicators. This can also potentially prevent the condition from getting worse over the years through early intervention.

References

1. Aarestrup, J., et al. (2020). Birthweight, childhood body mass index and height and risks of endometriosis and adenomyosis. Annals of Human Biology, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/03014460.2020.1727011
2. Burney, R. O., & Giudice, L. C. (2012). Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of endometriosis. Fertility and Sterility, 98(3), 511-519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.029
3. Nnoaham, K. E., et al. (2011). Impact of endometriosis on quality of life and work productivity: a multicenter study across ten countries. Fertility and Sterility, 96(2), 366-373.e8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.05.090
4. Zondervan, K. T., et al. (2018). Endometriosis (Primer). Nature Reviews: Disease Primers. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.05.090