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Endometriosis in Adolescents: An Overview
Endometriosis is a chronic disease characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to a range of symptoms including pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, infertility and more. While typically diagnosed in individuals of reproductive age (largely due to diagnostic delays average a decade or more), the disease can and does affect adolescents and young adults. Common symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, painful menses, gastrointestinal and urinary issues, painful sex and more; such symptoms can frequently be misattributed to other benign conditions (Bourdel et al., 2021), further leading to delays in intervention.
While not a 'menstrual disease,' menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) is often an early sign of endometriosis. In fact, studies indicate that the disease may affect approximately 10% of adolescents experiencing painful periods (Khan et al., 2020). The pathophysiology of endometriosis in adolescents remains an area of active research, however. Genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, environmental factors and more may contribute to its development (Gonzalez et al., 2020), but its exact origins remain unknown. There is no way to prevent endometriosis and no absolute cure, and it isn’t something you can ‘catch’ or transmit to others. Endometriosis is not an infection.
Early diagnosis is crucial, as untreated disease can lead to significant physical and psychological distress, impacting quality of life and potentially leading to issues later in life ranging from infertility to chronic pain. Management strategies for adolescents are largely the same as with adult patients, ranging from pain relief through NSAIDs and hormonal therapies to suppress menstruation to surgical excision. Education and support are vital components of care, as adolescents may require guidance in understanding their disease and navigating the healthcare system.
Endometriosis is a significant yet often overlooked disease in teens and younger patients. Increased awareness, early diagnosis, and appropriate management are essential to improve outcomes all those affected by this challenging disorder. LEARN MORE HERE.
References:
Khan, K. N., Fujishita, A., & Kitajima, M. (2020). Endometriosis in Adolescents: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 33(5), 457-464.
Bourdel, N., Rame, J., & Canis, M. (2021). Endometriosis in Adolescents: A Review of Current Knowledge. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 256, 116-121.
Gonzalez, A. L., & DeWitt, R. (2020). The Role of Genetics in Adolescent Endometriosis: An Overview. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 33(6), 634-639.