Menopause and Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue that is like the lining of the uterus, grows elsewhere in the body, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
In the UK, 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth, suffer with endometriosis making it the second most common gynaecological condition. It affects women of any age and ethnicity, from puberty onwards.
Despite this prevalence, diagnosis may take anywhere between seven to ten years, using laparoscopic surgery, the only definitive diagnostic method. There’s no cure and the limited treatment options aim to reduce the impact of symptoms. This can be a very painful journey, both physically and emotionally, especially as it comes with the added possibility of an early natural menopause.
The Minister for the Women’s Health Strategy, Maria Caulfield says: “More must be done to improve women’s experiences of the healthcare system, and for those women suffering from endometriosis we have a long way to go. From getting an initial diagnosis to getting the right care and treatment.”
“Through the Women’s Health Strategy, we are working to turn dismissed, ignored and belittle into listened to, understood and empowered.”
On a positive note, however, there may just be some hope on the horizon with research offering a non-invasive way to diagnose endometriosis sooner.
Is there a link between endometriosis and early menopause?
Despite endometriosis being the second most common gynae condition there have been few studies to date that have looked at the link with early natural menopause.
Although a study reported in the American journal, JAMA, (2022) suggested endometriosis may be an important risk factor for early natural menopause - when periods stop before the age of 45 - and a reduced ability to conceive.
The study found that laparoscopic surgery-confirmed endometriosis was associated with a 50% greater risk for early natural menopause, after considering several factors, including race, education, income, smoking, diet, and body mass index. Women who had never given birth or taken oral contraceptives were especially at risk of shorter reproductive periods.
Whilst it is recognised that early menopause is linked with reduced reproductive years, increased risk of heart disease and other health problems, the exact nature of the relationship between endometriosis and early natural menopause is not yet fully understood.
Overall, more research is needed to understand the link between endometriosis and early menopause fully, and to determine what steps can be taken to reduce the risk of early menopause in women with endometriosis. If you are concerned about your risk of early menopause or have symptoms of endometriosis do seek medical advice.
What are the signs and symptoms of endometriosis?
The signs and symptoms of endometriosis can be different for everyone with some experiencing more debilitating symptoms than others. They include:
Lower stomach, back, or pelvic pain that gets worse during periods.
Severe period pain that affects daily life.
Pain during and after sex.
Pain when having a pee, or pooing, during a period.
Finding blood in poo or pee, constipation, or diarrhoea.
Feeling sick.
Heavy periods & flooding.
Difficulty conceiving.
Diagnosing endometriosis sooner could help early menopause symptoms
Exciting findings were published in 2022 in Research OutSmarts Endometriosis (ROSE) study, the first project in the United States to solely investigate endometrial tissue to the deepest genetic signature.
Researchers may have found a non-invasive way to diagnose endometriosis. The study details the first use of single-cell RNA sequencing to compare endometrial tissues in freshly collected menstrual blood.
Christine Metz, co-author of the US study said the “paper describes the potential for a novel screening tool to identify endometriosis earlier and enable patients to get the help they need,"
The ROSE study aims to:
Reduce the diagnosis time following the first signs of symptoms.
Develop non-surgical methods to diagnose endometriosis.
Find improved treatments.
Better understand the genetic basis of endometriosis and relate it to what is happing in the role of cells and the immune system.
Alleviate the pain experienced with endometriosis.
Learn more about uterine health.
Endometriosis may be a chronic condition, but remember, if this is you, you’re not alone in your health journey. There are many resources and communities available to help you navigate the ups and downs of living with endometriosis, including the support networks Endometriosis UK and EndoFound (US).
Endometriosis Experience and Diagnosis
We spoke to one of our community members about her experience with Endo and this is what she told us…
“My name is Katie, I was diagnosed with endometriosis 26 years ago, but it took 6 years for the doctors to believe me! 4 laparoscopies later and too many doctors’ appointments to count, they found 3 areas of endo on my internal organs and lasered it off. That was one of the best days.. when they said “we found some”; and I remember in my anaesthetised state saying “I bloody well told you!”
This may seem simple, but the worst part of this journey for me was not being believed, I was fobbed off with excuses and reasons as to why I may be in so much pain. But do note, back then this common disease in women was not discussed!
Rewind to when I was 12, my periods were heavy, the pain was unbearable and I missed quite a bit of school due to this, over the decades I continued to suffer from gynae problems, and had to find coping mechanisms on my own. It was by chance one day a friend (who had had endo and a full hysterectomy at 25 due to misdiagnosis) suggested I may also have it, and so I started a journey of seeing the doctor and specialists and slamming desks to be heard and believed!
One doctor even told me I should have a child as this can cure Endo! I laughed and asked if she (!!) would pay for their life requirements. What women should be told that? Sadly not long after this, I was told I may not be able to have children due to my endometriosis, and due to that doctor’s comments, I then felt I had missed my chance – the mental abuse I gave myself over this affected all those around me. So… my family adjusted to the idea of not having children and grandchildren, planning what our life would now look like….but (happy ending) we happily fell pregnant when I was 30 and at 34.
Endo is not a laughing matter, it affects you mentally and physically, the pain can be indescribable at times and when the professionals tell you that there is nothing wrong you start to think that you are making up! What is wrong with me? Why does no one believe me? Am I a hypochondriac? I would say to any woman, if you know your body and know something is not right go and see a doctor and slam that desk until they do something about it, if your doctor is not supportive then change doctors - my hero during this and sadly was towards the end was a male doctor who believed in me and helped me get in front of the surgeons and specialists I needed. To the partners, friends and family around you… educate them, explain how it makes you feel, and be honest as it certainly helps them understand how to support you.”
March 2023, update in March 2024
Any information contained in this article does not represent medical advice. Please seek professional medical advice.
