A recent study has found that women with common health conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids have a slightly higher risk of dying before the age of 70. Endometriosis affects one in ten women worldwide and occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, affecting up to a quarter of women.
Despite the prevalence of these conditions, they are considered under-researched. Some believe that a historically male-focused medical establishment has overlooked health problems affecting women. Previous research has linked endometriosis and uterine fibroids to an increased risk of serious diseases, including heart disease and certain types of cancer.
The new study, published in the British Medical Journal, analyzed data from over 110,000 women in the United States who have been monitored every two years since 1989. The researchers found that women with one or both conditions had a slightly higher risk of early death, primarily due to related health issues.
For those with uterine fibroids, the increased risk was linked to gynecological cancers. Women with endometriosis faced higher risks from cancers, heart disease, and respiratory diseases. The authors of the study emphasized the importance of doctors monitoring patients with these conditions for potential health problems.
As awareness grows, there is a push for more attention to women’s health issues that have historically been overlooked. Endometriosis, in particular, can cause severe pain during periods and infertility, yet there is currently no known cure.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
