Early Menarche as a Risk Factor for Endometriosis

by Dr. Susan Sarajari

Endometriosis is a disease affecting 6-10% of women of reproductive age and has a prevalence rate as high as 35-50% in women experiencing pain or infertility. It is characterized by growth of endometrial tissue in the peritoneal cavity leading to inflammation and scarring.

Recent review of the evidence suggests that early onset of menstrual cycles ( 7 days), heavy bleeding during menses, inverse relationship to parity, delayed childbearing, defects in the uterus or fallopian tubes and hypoxia and iron deficiency (2).

1) “Is early age at menarche a risk factor for endometriosis? A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies”. Fert Stert 98(3). 702-712. 2012.
2) “Endometriosis”. emedicine.medscape.com. Feb 21, 2012.