Risk factors for endometriosis

Some risk factors of endometriosis include:

• obstruction of menstrual outflow (e.g.- mullerian anomalies)
• exposure to diethylstilbestrol in utero
• prolonged exposure to endogenous estrogen (e.g., because of early menarche, late menopause, or obesity)
• short menstrual cycles
• low birth weight
• exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (1)

Endometriosis has, in the past, been said to be more common among women who are:

• nulliparous or bear children late in life
• high-achievers with a type A personality
• Caucasian
• between the ages of 30 - 40 years; although it may occur in younger age groups, including some teenagers
• high social class
• underweight

Current/recent use of the combined oral contraceptive (COC), smoking and exercise may have a protective effect (2).

Reference:

• (1) Giudice LC. Clinical practice. Endometriosis. N Engl J Med. 2010;362(25):2389-98.
• (2) NHS Evidence – women’s health. Endometriosis. Annual Evidence Update March 2010