★ Dysmenorrhea in adolescence as a possible precursor to endometriosis

Calls from people with endometriosis (EM) for more research into the detection and treatment of this chronic inflammatory disease of the past are growing louder. Many women still feel that their symptoms are not taken seriously and are sometimes diagnosed late.

In endometriosis, uterine-like tissue grows beyond the uterine lining (endometrium) to other parts of the body. However, the tissues are also subject to hormonal cycles and therefore cause severe and painful symptoms.

Pain During Menstruation May Be a Precursor to Endometriosis

The study, published in the journal BMC Public Health, highlights the importance of early identification of risk groups for endometriosis in adolescence. According to the researchers, dysmenorrhea in adolescence may be a warning sign for the future development of multiple sclerosis.

Case and control group: Data from 1287 women.

The study collected data from 1,287 women aged 18 to 55 years old in Shenzhen Maternal and Child Hospital from July 2019 to February 2022. The case group consisted of 641 women who were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis through pathological examination. The control group consisted of 646 women who underwent regular inpatient check-ups and were found to have no gynecological abnormalities. The data were collected through a questionnaire, statistically analyzed, and validated by external data (400 patients).

Dysmenorrhea and lifestyle factors as possible risk factors.

The following key findings can be drawn from the study:

1. There is an increased risk of developing endometriosis in people who suffer from dysmenorrhea during adolescence.

2. The incidence of dysmenorrhea is almost 19 times higher compared to people without endometriosis.

3. Early onset of dysmenorrhea, when it first occurs within 12 months after menarche, is considered another risk factor for endometriosis.

4. Vigorous intensity physical activity (unspecified) is considered a risk factor.

5. Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight may be another risk factor.

Limitations and Potentials

The authors hope to promote prevention by identifying risk factors and thus intervene in the development of the disease at an early stage. This may also reduce the risk of fertility problems.

However, the prediction model mentioned in the study could not be defined in more detail. The authors emphasize that larger, multicenter, prospective studies are needed to provide a general interpretation. Similarly, it was not possible to draw causal conclusions from the case-control study, but it was possible to draw attention to the target group.

Fountain:

Dai et al. (2024) Patterns of dysmenorrhea in adolescents informing endometriosis in adults. BMC Public Health. doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17825-2