News | Endometriosis Diagnosis Delayed by Up to a Decade in Australian Women
A University of Queensland study found that Australian women often experience symptoms for up to a decade before being diagnosed with endometriosis, including severe menstrual pain, depression, and back pain. Persistent symptoms significantly reduce quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Queensland School of Public Health analyzed health data from 7,606 women born between 1973 and 1978. The women completed health surveys every three years from 2009 to 2018.
Lead researcher Dr. Dereje Gete said this was the first longitudinal Australian study to examine the relationship between multiple symptoms and endometriosis.
"Our study found that women with endometriosis were four times more likely to experience severe menstrual pain than women without the condition," Dr. Gete said. "They were also almost twice as likely to experience mental health problems and back pain."
Women with endometriosis were also 1.5 times more likely to have joint stiffness and pain. Other symptoms included gastrointestinal and urinary problems, extreme fatigue, sleep difficulties, allergic reactions, heart palpitations, and headaches.
Because endometriosis causes a wide range of symptoms and menstrual pain is often normalized or overlooked, diagnosis is delayed by an average of 7 to 11 years. This delay increases the effects of untreated symptoms, healthcare visits, and hospitalizations, and may reduce fertility outcomes.
The study used data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, in which 1,149 women, about 15%, self-reported endometriosis.
Senior author Professor Gita Mishra emphasized that early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce symptoms and the risk of complications.
Professor Mishra urged women to manage symptoms proactively through lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery to improve quality of life and prevent further complications.
News | Endometriosis Diagnosis Delayed by Up to a Decade in Australian Women
News | Endometriosis Diagnosis Delayed by Up to a Decade in Australian Women
A University of Queensland study found that Australian women often experience symptoms for up to a decade before being diagnosed with endometriosis, including severe menstrual pain, depression, and back pain. Persistent symptoms significantly reduce quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Queensland School of Public Health analyzed health data from 7,606 women born between 1973 and 1978. The women completed health surveys every three years from 2009 to 2018.
Lead researcher Dr. Dereje Gete said this was the first longitudinal Australian study to examine the relationship between multiple symptoms and endometriosis.
"Our study found that women with endometriosis were four times more likely to experience severe menstrual pain than women without the condition," Dr. Gete said. "They were also almost twice as likely to experience mental health problems and back pain."
Women with endometriosis were also 1.5 times more likely to have joint stiffness and pain. Other symptoms included gastrointestinal and urinary problems, extreme fatigue, sleep difficulties, allergic reactions, heart palpitations, and headaches.
Because endometriosis causes a wide range of symptoms and menstrual pain is often normalized or overlooked, diagnosis is delayed by an average of 7 to 11 years. This delay increases the effects of untreated symptoms, healthcare visits, and hospitalizations, and may reduce fertility outcomes.
The study used data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, in which 1,149 women, about 15%, self-reported endometriosis.
Senior author Professor Gita Mishra emphasized that early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce symptoms and the risk of complications.
Professor Mishra urged women to manage symptoms proactively through lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery to improve quality of life and prevent further complications.
Story source:
Collected online